Gateron CJ vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CJ and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches. The CJ switch offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the CJ switch provides a distinct auditory and tactile sensation for users. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch excels in offering a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. It features a lengthened single-stage spring that provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches differ in terms of their top and bottom housings. The CJ switch features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is described as having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. The Tourmaline Blue, on the other hand, utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Both switches exhibit a clacky sound, albeit with slightly different characteristics. However, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing for RGB lighting, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top housing is the way to go.
In terms of the bottom housings, the CJ switch utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) material, resulting in a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both switches offer pleasing sound profiles, they differ in terms of depth and clarity. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is aesthetically advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, if you prioritize a more resonant and clear sound profile, as well as the option for RGB lighting, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing is a better choice.
When considering the overall impact on sound and feel, the housing materials of the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the POM or polycarbonate material, contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The CJ switch's POM bottom housing offers an incredibly pleasing and unique sound with a deeper profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound. Conversely, the top housing of a switch has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for the top and bottom housings determines the overall sound characteristics during both key press and release.
To summarize, while the Gateron CJ and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have some similarities in terms of clacky sound profiles, they differ in their housing materials. The CJ switch features an INK blend top housing and a POM bottom housing, offering a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound when pressing down on the keys, as well as a deeper and more muted sound when releasing them. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound for both key press and release. Additionally, the polycarbonate material enhances the visual appeal of the Tourmaline Blue switch for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
Weight
In terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the Gateron CJ linear switch and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch showcase some notable differences. The Gateron CJ has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. This means that the CJ switch requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the CJ switch requires 60 grams of force, while the Tourmaline Blue switch demands 67 grams. Therefore, the Tourmaline Blue is heavier in terms of bottom out force. Despite these distinctions, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel and pressure required for typing or gaming activities. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the desired weight and experience during extended periods of use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, and ultimately affects the overall typing experience. In the case of the Gateron CJ linear switch and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a similar 4mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Gateron CJ and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a comparable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique and enjoyable experience with higher-pitched clacks. This gives it a chirpy sound profile that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch provides a deep and thocky sound, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. This switch has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched CJ switch. Overall, both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel, giving users a gentle typing experience. This switch falls into the mild category, offering a more approachable and safe middle-ground feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a low-impact and comfortable typing feel. Similar to sound, both switches fall into the mild category, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for most users.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the Gateron CJ and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer their own unique qualities. The CJ switch provides a chirpy sound and a smooth push feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making them suitable for various typing intents and purposes. Whether you prefer the higher-pitched clacks of the CJ or the bass-heavy thock of the Tourmaline Blue, you are guaranteed an enjoyable and accessible typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the choice between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences. The CJ offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience with its bouncy feel.
If you appreciate a chirpy or low-pitched sound, the CJ may be the switch for you. It has a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue with its moderate actuation force will be a great choice.
In terms of feel, the CJ offers a mild typing experience, providing a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue delivers a buttery and easy-to-press keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference. Consider the sound profile and feel that aligns with your typing preferences, whether you prefer a unique presentation like the CJ or the deep satisfaction of the Tourmaline Blue.
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