Gateron CJ vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CJ and HMX Twilight both offer unique characteristics that appeal to different types of users. The Gateron CJ is celebrated for its distinctly chirpy tonal quality, combining a higher-pitched clack with an incredibly smooth push feel that delivers a delightful typing experience. Users who prefer a lively and engaging tactile feedback often gravitate towards the CJ for its neutral yet mildly pronounced sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight sets itself apart with an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, providing a slightly quieter typing experience while still retaining the clacky essence typical of HMX switches. This quality makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a more subdued sound without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel, making the choice between them a matter of personal typing style and ambiance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine which switch might be the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the HMX Twilight switches, it is clear that they utilize different materials for both their top and bottom housings, leading to distinctive yet overlapping sound profiles. The Gateron CJ features an INK blend for its top housing, characterized by a pointed, higher-pitched sound that is often perceived as clacky. Conversely, the HMX Twilight is made with nylon for its top housing, which tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to the material’s ability to absorb sound and mitigate harshness. This fundamental difference in materials affects the switches' sound and feel, with the CJ providing a more crisp and articulate auditory experience while the Twilight offers a warmer, rounder tone.
The bottom housing of the switches further illustrates the contrasting qualities of the materials used. The Gateron CJ employs a POM bottom housing, known for producing a unique and pleasing tone that leans toward the deeper spectrum. In contrast, the Twilight’s bottom housing, also made from nylon, echoes the same fullness but tends to produce a sound that is more subdued and plush due to its softer properties. This means that while both switches' bottom housings contribute to a deeper sound profile, the CJ’s POM brings a distinct muteness to the bottom-out sound, separating it from the roundness of the Twilight’s nylon.
Overall, the different housing materials lead to unique sound experiences when typing on these switches. The hybrid use of INK blend and POM in the Gateron CJ versus the dual use of nylon in the HMX Twilight results in switches that cater to different auditory preferences. While both can create satisfying typing experiences, the CJ offers a brighter sound with noticeable clackiness, and the Twilight provides a warmer, more enveloping auditory feel. Users looking for crispness and articulation may prefer the Gateron CJ, while those who favor a rounded and softer sound experience may opt for the HMX Twilight, showcasing the significance of material choice in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Gateron CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance that can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, catering to users who may desire a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, the Twilight switch is the lighter option, while the CJ is heavier. This distinction may influence user preference based on their typing style and comfort, as those who enjoy a firmer push may gravitate towards the Gateron CJ, while the HMX Twilight appeals to those seeking ease and lightness in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it’s clear that the CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight measures slightly shorter at 3.85 mm. This 0.15 mm difference means that the Gateron CJ offers a more traditional feel, appealing to those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Twilight’s shorter travel distance may cater more to gamers and users who favor faster response times and a more immediate key actuation. While both switches provide effective performance, the CJ is the longer option, offering a more pronounced bottom-out feel, whereas the Twilight's reduced travel distance may come off as more abrupt for some users.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron CJ linear switch is notably distinctive, characterized by higher-pitched clacks alongside a unique chirpy quality that adds a nuanced layer to its auditory experience. This sweeter tone, combined with a low-pitched richness that can evoke a satisfying thocky response, makes the CJ both engaging and versatile for various settings, whether at home or in an office. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch conveys a slightly quieter sound due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance while still maintaining some of the signature clacky traits typical of HMX switches. This indicates that, while the HMX may not deliver the same vibrancy as the CJ, its quietness offers a more subdued acoustic experience that might suit environments where noise levels need to be minimized.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the CJ provides a mild tactile response, making for a gentle and approachable typing experience. This middle-ground quality makes it accessible for users of all experience levels, blending comfort with performance. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight’s specific feel characteristics remain unknown. However, one might anticipate that the linear nature of both switches could lead to a similar smooth experience, even if the precise tactile feedback of the Twilight isn't detailed.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron CJ and HMX Twilight linear switches offer their unique interpretations of the linear switch experience, the CJ stands out with its distinctive sound profile and mild feel. The Twilight, with its quieter demeanor, remains an appealing option for those who prefer a less obtrusive auditory signature. Ultimately, your choice between the two could depend on whether you prioritize a lively sound or a subtle typing experience, but either way, you can expect a satisfying linear switch experience from both options.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you're looking for a balanced switch with a tactile sound profile and a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the CJ is an excellent choice. Its unique chirpy sound and smooth feel make it enjoyable for both casual typing and gaming, while also providing a more pronounced auditory feedback that many users appreciate. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a softer bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Twilight is the way to go. Its extended travel distance contributes to a quieter typing experience, which might be preferable in shared spaces or if you're more focused on a serene environment. Ultimately, if you lean towards a richer, character-filled typing experience, opt for the CJ, whereas the Twilight is suited for those who favor a smoother, quieter operation. Thus, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing you to select the one that best matches your typing style and sound tolerance.
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