Gateron CJ vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear 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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. Both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth and seamless keystroke experience. The CJ is known for its unique presentation with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. It falls into categories like 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky'. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is favored for its smooth and high-pitched typing experience. It features a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is also lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the WS Aurora Clear offers a slightly different typing experience compared to the CJ. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have notable differences in their housing materials, specifically in their top and bottom housing components. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing known for its pointed, clacky sound profile, while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. However, both materials offer a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, albeit with slight variations in tone.
In terms of their bottom housings, the CJ employs POM housings which create a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE bottom housings, a relatively newer material in switch housings, known for its bright and resonant clacks when typing. These distinctly different bottom housing materials provide unique auditory experiences when using the switches.
Overall, while the CJ and the WS Aurora Clear differ in their housing materials, they both offer pleasing and unique sound profiles. The CJ's INK blend top housing provides a slightly higher-pitched and clackier sound, while the WS Aurora Clear's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and more resonant sound. Similarly, their bottom housings create distinct sound profiles, with the CJ's POM housing offering a deeper tone and the WS Aurora Clear's UHWMPE housing producing bright clacks. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of satisfying sound experiences but with nuanced differences depending on the specific material used in each housing component.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the CJ requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the WS Aurora Clear requires a slightly higher force of 53 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the CJ switch requires 60 grams of force to fully press a key, providing a moderately substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This indicates that the WS Aurora Clear switch would offer a slightly stronger push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may find the CJ switch more suitable. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for easier keystrokes and the potential to type for longer periods without tiring. This makes it ideal for work or longer gaming sessions. However, those who prefer a heavier switch to enhance the typing experience may lean towards the WS Aurora Clear. Its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a more solid and substantial feel when pressing the keys.
In summary, while both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch fall within the medium range for actuation force, they do differ in terms of bottom out force. The CJ switch is lighter in both aspects, while the WS Aurora Clear is slightly heavier, offering a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. If you are a gamer seeking faster response times, the WS Aurora Clear would be a better choice with its shorter travel distance. This can allow for quicker key presses and increased responsiveness. However, if you prefer a switch with more depth and a more pronounced feeling when pressed, the Gateron CJ linear switch may be the preferable option with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the specific gaming or typing experience you are seeking.
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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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. It is described as having higher-pitched clacks, giving it a chirpy sound. This sets it apart from other switches and adds a touch of character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch is known for its high-pitched sound. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is preferred by those who do not enjoy the deeper and bassier sound profiles of certain switches. The CJ provides a more distinct and unique sound, while the WS Aurora Clear offers a sharper and crisper sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is known for its impossibly smooth push feel. It offers a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The CJ switch falls in a safe middle-ground, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as offering a buttery and uniform typing sensation. It provides a seamless and effortless keystroke experience, with a smooth and fluid feel. It also falls within the mild category, ensuring a comfortable and approachable typing experience.
Considering all the available information, both switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gateron CJ switch provides a chirpy sound with higher-pitched clacks, and it presents an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch produces a high-pitched sound and offers a buttery and uniform typing sensation. While they have some differences, both switches fall within the mild category, making them approachable and comfortable for most users. It is important to note that the actual sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel based on the provided descriptions of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience, the Gateron CJ would be a great choice. These switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and provide a smooth and satisfying push feel. They are known for their higher-pitched clacks, setting them apart from other switches. In terms of sound, the CJ switches can be described as chirpy and neutral, making them suitable for various needs. However, if you prioritize a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches would be the ideal option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a buttery and mild typing experience. They are known for their sharp and crisp sound when pressed, and the transparent polycarbonate top housing allows for vibrant RGB lighting. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for sound, feel, and customization options.
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