Gateron CJ vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often comes down to personal preference and typing style, and two noteworthy contenders in this space are the Gateron CJ and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB. The Gateron CJ, renowned for its unique representation of linearity, offers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience accentuated by higher-pitched clacks and a satisfying push feel. This switch is ideal for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback, resulting in a quieter and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out with its tactile bump and deep "thock" sound profile, providing a luxurious feel that many typists appreciate. This switch caters to users who enjoy the sensory feedback of a tactile response while also favoring a muted auditory experience. Each switch presents distinctive advantages: the CJ excelling in smoothness and quiet operation, while the U4Tx RGB offers a richly textured tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CJ Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, we observe notable differences in their top housing compositions that influence sound and feel. The CJ uses a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which produces a high-pitched and pointed sound profile often described as clacky. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB features Gazzew’s proprietary blend, colloquially known as "boba plastic," which leans toward a richer and deeper sound due to its inherent softness. This variance in materials means that, while both switches are capable of delivering satisfying auditory feedback, their sound signatures are distinct with the CJ favoring a sharper tone, whereas the U4Tx RGB provides a more subdued, velvety experience.

On the other hand, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housings, as both the Gateron CJ and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilize materials that contribute to a deeper and more muted sound profile. The CJ employs POM for its bottom housing, recognized for creating a unique auditory characteristic that enhances the lower frequencies. Along the same lines, the U4Tx RGB also utilizes a similar Gazzew blend for its bottom assembly, contributing to the overall rich sound. Thus, even if their top housings create different acoustic experiences when releasing keys, the deeper sound produced during key bottom-out is a shared characteristic between the two, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying thump regardless of which switch is under their fingertips.

Ultimately, the combined effect of these varying materials leads to a distinct typing experience for each switch. While the Gateron CJ stands out with its higher-pitched clacky output primarily due to its INK blend top housing, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB delivers a mellow and resonating response thanks to "boba plastic." However, both switches' bottom housings contribute to a solid base of sound that deepens the user experience. Therefore, enthusiasts can expect an intricate interplay of sound dynamics reflected in both switches' performance, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference for high-pitched versus deep sound profiles while still ensuring a grounding similar in their bottom-out experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Gateron CJ features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that offers a relatively comfortable typing experience, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB has an actuation force that is unspecified, which leaves us without a direct comparison for that aspect, but its bottom out force of 65 grams positions it as medium-heavy in terms of feedback. Therefore, the Gateron CJ is the lighter switch overall, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, particularly at its bottoming out force, provides a slightly heavier feel. Users looking for a lighter switch may prefer the CJ for prolonged use, while those who enjoy a more substantial, tactile response may gravitate towards the Gazzew switch despite its unknown actuation force.

Travel distance

The Gateron CJ linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance affects the overall typing experience; the CJ, with its traditional depth, offers a more substantial feel that many users appreciate for a satisfying actuation. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the U4Tx is tailored for those who favor quicker key presses, often preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. Individuals seeking a more robust typing experience might gravitate toward the CJ, whereas those who desire a snappier feel may find the U4Tx more appealing. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Gateron CJ provides a longer travel distance, making it suitable for users looking for depth, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB delivers a shorter, potentially more responsive option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it becomes clear that each switch provides a distinct auditory experience. The CJ is noted for its higher-pitched clacks, offering a chirpy and neutral acoustic signature that can appeal to a variety of users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. The sound can be characterized as low-pitched as well, balancing between a thocky and chirpy profile that many find enjoyable. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch leans towards a deeper, muted sound with a bassy quality. Its sound profile combines a "thock" when bottoming out with a soft topping-out noise, creating a refined auditory experience that resonates well with users who prefer a more luxurious and understated sound environment.

When considering the feel of the switches, the Gateron CJ presents an impossibly smooth push feel that typists often appreciate, providing a frictionless experience during typing without any tactile feedback, typical of linear switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB enhances its tactile appeal with a sharp tactile bump, which adds an element of sensory feedback during key presses. This bump not only guides the typist in their key actuation but also adds to the overall luxurious feel, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy tactile switches.

In conclusion, both the Gateron CJ and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches have their merits, characterized largely by their unique sound and feel. The CJ excels with its smooth linear experience and higher-pitched, chirpy sound, making it approachable for general use, while the U4Tx RGB offers a deep, muted sound profile coupled with noticeable tactile feedback for an elevated typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a smooth linear sensation or a tactile feel combined with a rich auditory experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences in typing feel, sound profile, and intended use. If you're leaning toward a switch that embodies a lighter touch with a pleasantly chirpy and low-pitched sound, while delivering a smooth typing experience, the Gateron CJ is an excellent choice. Its 60-gram actuation force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, whether at work or for leisure, as it offers a versatile performance that caters well to both beginners and seasoned users. On the other hand, if you appreciate the tactile feedback of a sharp bump and prefer a deeper, 'thocky' sound, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is the way to go. The slightly heavier 65-gram force provides a satisfying resistance, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience, especially during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, consider the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard and your tactile preferences, and choose accordingly to enjoy the best mechanical experience that fits your style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more