Gateron CJ vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

The Gateron CJ and Gazzew U4T are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for users. The CJ is a linear switch that is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation. Typing on the CJ switch provides a smooth, almost impossibly smooth, push feel accompanied by higher-pitched clacks. Its categorization as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky' further highlights the diverse sensory experience it offers. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T is a tactile switch that excels in a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With each keystroke on the U4T, users can expect a satisfying bassy 'thock' sound profile and an assertive tactile feedback. Its categorization as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp' showcases its unique auditory and tactile satisfaction. When considering which switch to choose, these general pointers can guide you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron CJ Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Gazzew U4T switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is not overly sharp, giving it a clacky feel. In contrast, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both switches provide pleasing sound profiles, the CJ's sound is thinner and higher-pitched, while the U4T's sound is deeper and more resonant.

In terms of the bottom housing, the CJ utilizes a POM housing that creates a unique and pleasing sound profile, leaning towards the deeper side and offering a relatively more muted experience. On the other hand, the U4T employs the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its top housing. This plastic blend is known for delivering a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Consequently, the U4T's bottom housing complements the top housing, producing a consistent and resonant sound throughout the keystroke.

When it comes to the tactile experience, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in determining the feel of the switch upon bottoming-out. Therefore, the Gateron CJ's POM bottom housing will contribute to a unique and satisfying tactile experience with its deeper sound profile. Similarly, the U4T's bottom housing, constructed from the Gazzew blend, will provide a soft and cushioned bottoming-out experience. However, the top housing will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key, offering distinct characteristics between the two switches.

Although the Gateron CJ and the Gazzew U4T switches differ in their housing materials, both switches deliver pleasant sound profiles and tactile experiences. The CJ's INK blend creates a clacky and higher-pitched sound profile, while the U4T's Gazzew blend, known as "boba plastic," produces a deep and rich sound. Additionally, the CJ's POM bottom housing contributes to a unique and relatively muted sound, while the U4T's bottom housing complements the top housing with its softness and resonant sound. While there are differences between the two switches, both are designed to provide satisfying keyboard experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which fall into the medium range. On the other hand, the actuation force for the U4T switch is not available, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, also categorized as medium.

Considering weight, individuals who prefer lighter switches may find typing for longer periods more comfortable. This can be beneficial for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. In this aspect, both the CJ and U4T switches can provide a similar experience as their actuation and bottom out forces are within the same medium range.

However, for those seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, options with heavier forces are desired. In this case, the Gateron CJ linear switch may be a better choice, as it has a slightly heavier bottom out force than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch. The CJ switch requires 60 grams of force to bottom out, while the U4T switch requires 62 grams.

In summary, while the actuation force of the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is not stated, both it and the Gateron CJ linear switch fall into the medium category for bottom out force. The CJ switch is slightly heavier, making it a potential preference for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, while individuals who prefer lighter switches may find both options suitable for extended periods of use. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will dictate which switch is the ideal choice.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance, giving you a consistent typing experience. Whether you prefer a linear switch like the CJ or a tactile switch like the U4T, both switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring that you will achieve similar results in terms of keypress responsiveness and feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron CJ linear switch is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. When typing on the CJ, users can expect to hear higher-pitched clacks and experience an impossibly smooth push feel. The CJ can be described as chirpy and low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound profile of the CJ provides a satisfying auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch embodies a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. When typing on the U4T, users can expect a bassy 'thock' sound profile coupled with an assertive tactile feedback. This switch offers a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." The U4T provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction with each keystroke.

In terms of feel, the CJ is considered mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The CJ offers a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the U4T is characterized by sharp tactile feedback, offering a high feedback intensity. The U4T's strong and crisp tactile bump is distinctive with each keypress.

In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ provides higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, while the U4T delivers a bassy 'thock' sound profile paired with assertive tactile feedback. The CJ is mild in its feel, while the U4T is known for its sharp tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider.

If you prioritize a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, then the CJ is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, then the U4T is the switch for you.

In terms of sound, the CJ offers a chirpy and neutral sound profile, while the U4T provides a bassy and thocky sound experience. It ultimately depends on your personal preference for the type of sound you want your keyboard to produce.

When it comes to feel, the CJ offers a mild and gentle typing experience, while the U4T provides a sharp and intense tactile feedback. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and a higher feedback intensity, then the U4T is the switch to go for.

Overall, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch. Both switches offer unique qualities and can enhance your typing experience in different ways.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more