Gateron CJ vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, a tactile switch, stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The CJ is celebrated for its unique take on a linear switch, offering a distinctive higher-pitched clack sound and an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is praised for its smoothness along with a satisfying tactile bump while maintaining a neutral sound signature. The CJ is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', 'Thocky', while the WS Light Tactile is categorized as 'Stepped', 'Neutral', 'Easy-to-press'. Choosing between these switches may depend on whether you prefer a linear switch with a unique feel or a tactile switch with a noticeable bump. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing that is characterized by a pointed and satisfying thin sound, while the WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. While both materials offer different sound profiles, they both excel in providing a high-pitched and resonant sound that appeals to users looking for a distinct typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the CJ's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a unique typing experience. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite these differences, both bottom housing materials contribute to creating a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound profile. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a fuller, rounder sound, both switches offer housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches will depend on individual preferences in sound profile. While the CJ offers a unique blend of INK materials that create a sharp and clacky sound, the WS Light Tactile provides a polycarbonate top housing that produces a crisper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the CJ and the nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing sound. Both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience, making them popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch. The CJ requires 50 grams to actuate a keystroke and 60 grams to bottom out, while the WS Light Tactile only needs 45 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. This means that the CJ provides a slightly more robust typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for those who need to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either of these switches, the user will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get comparable typing experiences with both switches, as they will feel the same amount of key travel when using either switch. Therefore, whether choosing the CJ or the WS Light Tactile switch, users can expect a consistent and familiar typing experience with the same travel distance for each switch.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 is best known for its higher-pitched and slightly chirpy sound, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch features a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of uses. Depending on the board and keycaps used, the sound of these switches can vary, but the CJ will generally have a chirpier tone while the WS Light Tactile will remain neutral.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel that is gentle and approachable to most users. Its mild characteristics provide a comfortable typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile switch has a stepped feel, offering a tactile bump in a more mild and nuanced way compared to other tactile switches.
In conclusion, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it's clear that they offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The CJ switch provides a chirpy sound and a smooth push feel, while the WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, easy-to-press nature, and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preference and intended use, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, but it's important to consider how these qualities align with your individual typing style and preferences. If you're looking for a linear switch with a higher-pitched sound and smooth push feel, the CJ is a great choice, but if you prefer a tactile switch with a neutral sound profile, easy actuation, and stepped feel, the WS Light Tactile is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can enhance your keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a unique linear switch with a medium bottom out force and higher-pitched clacks, the CJ may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch with a lower bottom out force and a snappy tactile bump, the WS Light Tactile could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel you prefer while using the keyboard. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your personal preferences.
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