Gateron CJ vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often gravitate towards the Gateron CJ and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which are linear switches that offer distinct yet compelling characteristics. The Gateron CJ is celebrated for its unique presentation of linearity, showcasing a delightful combination of higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth typing experience, categorized as ‘Chirpy’ and ‘Thocky’. It caters to users who appreciate a balanced blend of sound and tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for both casual typing and focused productivity sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is specifically designed with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force, allowing for rapid inputs and quick response times. Its bright and clacky sound profile complements the smooth push feel, appealing to those who crave speed and agility in their gameplay. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different preferences and use cases; 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron CJ and HMX Vintage Citrus switches, the differences in their housing materials play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. The Gateron CJ features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is designed to produce a pointed and relatively higher-pitched sound. This quality results in a "clacky" typing effect that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, renowned for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. While both switches aim for engaging sound characteristics, they present markedly different acoustic responses due to their distinct top housing materials.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Gateron CJ utilizes POM, a material celebrated for its unique and pleasing sound, characterized by a deeper and more muted output. In comparison, the Vintage Citrus maintains nylon for its bottom housing as well, which similarly promotes a fuller sound by virtue of being a softer plastic. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the deeper sounds experienced during bottoming out in both switches will share some common qualities, though the Gateron CJ's POM may yield slightly different muting effects compared to nylon. Thus, both switches can achieve satisfying deep sounds, yet the CJ’s POM housing might lend a distinct timbre to its overall experience.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the Gateron CJ’s INK blend top with the POM bottom housing creates a sound profile that is somewhat unique and more pronounced, while the HMX Vintage Citrus maintains homogenous properties with both nylon housing components. Therefore, when actuating these switches, the distinct acoustic profiles will differ, primarily influenced by the proprietary materials utilized. However, the focus on creating engaging and distinctive sound experiences remains central to both designs, ensuring that typists and gamers alike can still enjoy a rich auditory feedback from either switch. In sum, while there are notable contrasts in their housing materials, both the Gateron CJ and HMX Vintage Citrus can yield exceptional results when it comes to customization and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch showcase interesting differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it in the medium-light range. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Vintage Citrus more comfortable, while those who prefer a firmer feel might opt for the Gateron CJ. Overall, the differences in actuation force indicate that the CJ offers a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Vintage Citrus is better suited for those seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the CJ features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, appealing to gamers who favor quick response times with its more shallow travel. In contrast, the Gateron CJ, with its traditional 4 mm travel, offers a more pronounced depth, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Those who appreciate a hearty feel when pressing keys would likely prefer the CJ, whereas individuals looking for faster actuation might opt for the Vintage Citrus due to its shorter distance. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding key feel and response time.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 presents a unique auditory experience characterized by higher-pitched clacks, combined with an almost chirpy quality that gives it a distinct personality. This acoustic signature, while pleasant, also varies based on your keyboard setup—such as the choice of board and keycaps—allowing for a range of experiences. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch emphasizes a bright and clacky sound profile designed specifically for gamers, which may suggest a lively and engaging auditory experience, although specific descriptors were not provided. This focus on providing an engaging soundscape for rapid inputs further adds to its appeal, especially in fast-paced gaming environments.
In terms of feel, both switches deliver a remarkably smooth push feel that enhances the typing experience. The Gateron CJ is described as offering a mild typing experience, making it approachable for a range of users, from beginners to advanced typists. This gentler touch allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. The Vintage Citrus, while specifically tailored for gamers, also aims to enhance responsiveness with its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, making it ideal for rapid-fire typing. However, further details on the tactile experience of the Vintage Citrus switch are currently unknown, making direct comparisons less definitive.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CJ and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer unique benefits, particularly in sound and feel. The CJ distinguishes itself with a higher-pitched, chirpy auditory presence alongside a mild and approachable feel, while the Vintage Citrus focuses on bright, clacky sounds and a highly responsive touch aimed at gamers. Although their primary audiences may differ, both switches promise smooth operation and enjoyable typing experiences. Ultimately, if sound dynamics and tactile feedback are prioritized, users may find compatible experiences with either switch, tailored to their specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you appreciate a unique typing experience characterized by a chirpy sound profile and an impossibly smooth push feel, the Gateron CJ is an excellent choice, particularly if you're seeking a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams that provides just the right amount of resistance for typing and gaming alike. The CJ’s versatility makes it suitable for both home and office use, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for a variety of tasks. Conversely, if you’re primarily focused on gaming and need a switch that supports rapid inputs with minimal actuation force—thanks to its exceptionally light 53 grams and quick 1mm actuation—the HMX Vintage Citrus is tailored for that purpose. Its bright, clacky sound and smooth operation will enhance your gameplay, allowing for swift actions without hindrance. Ultimately, consider whether you prefer a more balanced, all-around switch in the Gateron CJ or a speed-oriented option in the Vintage Citrus to guide your decision.
Mentioned in this article
