Gateron CJ vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ each offer distinct experiences for users seeking linear options. The Gateron CJ is celebrated for its unique and enjoyable feel, characterized by its higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more vibrant sound profile while typing. Its classification as "Chirpy," "Neutral," and "Thocky" captures its multifaceted auditory experience, appealing to users who prioritize a lively typing dynamic. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ stands out with its all-POM construction, delivering a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature paired with a buttery-smooth keystroke, perfect for users who value a more pronounced acoustic feedback and solid feel in their typing. While both switches cater to the linear switch category, they offer different auditory sensations and tactile experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, it's evident that while they both feature POM materials for the bottom housing, the top housings diverge significantly in terms of their characteristics. The Gateron CJ employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is designed to produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a distinct “clacky” acoustic signature that is especially noticeable during key releases. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a pure POM material for the top housing, which results in a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This fundamental difference in top housing material directly affects the acoustic experience; users of the CJ will enjoy a more pronounced and sharp sound, whereas those with the WS POM+ will benefit from a softer and less abrasive auditory feedback.
On the other side, the bottom housing of both switches presents an interesting similarity. Each switch features a POM bottom housing, which is said to provide a pleasing and unique deeper sound profile that is muted compared to what is experienced with the CJ's top. This commonality allows both switches to share a foundational acoustic quality, lending them a characteristic sound that is more nuanced and less piercing during the bottom-out action. The deeper sound offered by the POM bottom housing effectively governs the tactile feedback users feel when pressing down on the switches, ensuring a consistent experience in terms of feel and sound at the bottom of the keystroke.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings highlights how these materials can create different results in overall sound and feel depending on their composition. With the CJ’s INK blend top enhancing the higher-pitched sound on release, and the WS POM+ relying solely on its POM for both housing halves, the distinct acoustic profiles cater to different preferences. Users seeking a sharper auditory experience would likely prefer the CJ for its more defined sounds, while those looking for a rounded and muted acoustic performance might opt for the WS POM+. This contrast illustrates how critical the choice of housing materials is in determining the character of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the WS POM+ boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it within the medium-light category. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gameplay might gravitate towards the WS POM+, while those seeking a more substantial feel in their keystrokes may favor the CJ switch. Ultimately, the CJ is the heavier switch, and the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces contribute to their suitability for different user preferences and typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction highlights the CJ switch as providing a more traditional depth, ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch caters to users looking for quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who favor rapid key presses. This preference for shorter travel distances can enhance responsiveness, although it may feel a bit abrupt for those who favor a more pronounced key press. Overall, for a more robust typing experience, the Gateron CJ is the better option, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ appeals to those seeking speed and agility in their keystrokes.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ switch presents a unique and somewhat chirpy acoustic signature. Users can expect higher-pitched clacks that lend a distinct character to the typing experience. This higher-pitched sound contrasts with the deep, satisfying "thock" produced by the Wuque Studio WS POM+, which emphasizes a more bass-heavy and richer auditory experience. While the CJ leans toward a chirpy and neutral profile, making it versatile for various environments, the WS POM+ offers a completely different, more thocky sound that is likely to appeal to those who prefer a deeper resonance while typing. Overall, while both switches contribute a unique character to their sound profiles, they cater to different auditory preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CJ switch excels with its impossibly smooth push, creating a typing experience that many find enjoyable and satisfying. With a mild characteristic, it provides a gentle yet responsive feedback that doesn’t overwhelm the user, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. There isn’t specific information available regarding the feel of the WS POM+; however, it is noted for delivering a buttery-smooth keystroke that suggests a similarly enjoyable experience. Therefore, while the CJ is definitively mild, the WS POM+ likely aligns with this smoothness, though we don’t have a detailed descriptor for direct comparison.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CJ and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel. The CJ stands out with its higher-pitched clacks and mild, smooth actuation, making it versatile and approachable, while the WS POM+ provides a richer, deeper thock combined with a buttery-smooth keystroke that adds an element of luxury to the typing experience. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics more towards chirpiness or depth, but both switches promise a rewarding experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that provides a unique and enjoyable linear experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, then the CJ is an excellent choice. Its chirpy and low-pitched sound profile, combined with a smooth push feel, makes it particularly appealing to those who appreciate a more playful and versatile auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more subdued and deeper sound, the WS POM+ is likely to suit you better. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams and an all-POM construction that offers a buttery-smooth keystroke, this switch provides a satisfying "thock" sound signature that many users find pleasurable. Therefore, consider your preferred typing feel and sound profile when making your choice; whether you lean towards the CJ’s engaging chirp and robust smoothness or the WS POM+’s deep "thock" and lighter press, you can’t go wrong with either switch in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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