Gateron CJ vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are endless options to choose from. Two popular options are the Gateron CJ, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a tactile switch. The CJ offers a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, providing higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the WS Brown combines familiarity and innovation, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force. Typing on these switches offers a delightful auditory experience, cherished by enthusiasts for its nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their choice of housing materials. The CJ utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound that is unique to the CJ switch. On the other hand, the WS Brown uses a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon, a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the CJ. Therefore, while both switches provide a pleasing sound, the CJ offers a sharper and higher-pitched clack, while the WS Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the CJ employs a POM material, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. This choice of material creates a unique sound that is on the deeper side. In contrast, the WS Brown also uses nylon for its bottom housing, which again leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of softer plastics like nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both the CJ and the WS Brown switches offer a deeper sound due to their choice of bottom housing material.
Although the CJ and the WS Brown switches have different housing materials, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in sound production. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. Therefore, despite using different materials, both the CJ and the WS Brown switches will provide a similar experience in terms of how it feels when you bottom-out a key. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when you release a key. While the CJ's INK blend top housing offers a clacky and higher-pitched sound, the WS Brown's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Firstly, the CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Brown's actuation force is unavailable, hence we cannot make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, both switches have a medium range bottom out force, with the CJ requiring 60 grams and the WS Brown requiring 55 grams.
Weight plays a significant role in switch preference for individuals. Some prefer lighter switches as it allows for more comfortable typing over extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the contrary, there are those who enjoy a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience, making heavier forces more suitable for them.
In terms of actuation force, it is unfortunate that we can only determine the CJ's value, as the WS Brown's actuation force is unknown. However, assuming their actuation forces are similar, users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering a keystroke. Both switches fall within the medium category of actuation force.
Regarding the bottom out force, the WS Brown has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the CJ requires 60 grams. This means that the WS Brown allows for a slightly softer landing when pressing the key all the way down, which may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience.
In summary, while we can confidently compare the bottom out force, the unavailable actuation force of the WS Brown is a limitation in making a comprehensive comparison. However, based on the information provided, users seeking a lighter switch may lean towards the WS Brown due to its lower bottom out force, while those desiring a slightly stronger keystroke may prefer the CJ.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the CJ switch may provide a slightly deeper key press feel compared to the WS Brown switch. If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the WS Brown switch with its shorter travel distance might be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more hearty and tactile typing experience, the CJ switch's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the individual.
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 Brown comes in at $3.50 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
Comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we can see that there are differences in the sound and feel of these two switches. The CJ switch is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation. It produces higher-pitched clacks and offers an impossibly smooth push feel when typing on them. This switch can be described as chirpy, with a little squeak, and it also falls into the low-pitched category, producing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch is described as offering a familiar and delightful auditory experience. It features a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, with a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the sound qualities of the WS Brown switch.
When it comes to feel, the CJ switch is described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that it offers a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls into the safe middle-ground zone and is likely to be comfortable for most users. However, there is no information available about the feel of the WS Brown switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The CJ switch offers a unique and enjoyable experience with higher-pitched clacks and a smooth push feel. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch provides a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, although specific information about its sound and feel is unknown. If you are looking for a switch with a chirpy and low-pitched sound, as well as a mild typing experience, the CJ switch would be a good choice. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a comfortable typing experience but are unsure about the exact sound and feel of the WS Brown switch, you can expect similar results to other tactile switches with a nylon housing and POM stem combination. Ultimately, the final choice may also depend on other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron CJ would be an excellent choice for you. Its higher-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push feel make for a captivating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Brown would be a great option. It strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. With its familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination, you'll enjoy typing on the WS Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and Wuque Studio WS Brown depends on whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch and your desired bottom out force. Both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance your typing experience.
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