Gateron CJ vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options that can be compared and contrasted are the Gateron CJ and the SP-Star Yanyu, both of which are linear switches. The CJ switch is renowned for its unique and enjoyable presentation, offering a smooth and satisfying keystroke with higher-pitched clacks. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the CJ switch provides a distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is best suited for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or those engaging in prolonged typing sessions. Its material blend offers a crisp sound profile, falling under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to enable you to make the best decision regarding the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that offers a pleasant sound profile, leaning towards the brighter side without being overly sharp. While both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, the CJ's top housing provides a slightly sharper sound compared to the Yanyu's blend.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the CJ incorporates a POM bottom housing that creates a deeper, more muted sound profile. The Yanyu, on the other hand, utilizes the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing as it does for the top housing. As a result, both the top and bottom housings of the Yanyu contribute to a pleasant and slightly brighter sound experience. When typing on the CJ switch, the bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound and feel during bottom-out, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key.
Overall, the Gateron CJ and the SP-Star Yanyu showcase differences in their housing materials, resulting in variations in sound profiles. The CJ's INK blend top housing contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the POM bottom housing adds depth and a muted quality. In contrast, the Yanyu's blend top and bottom housings offer a pleasant, slightly brighter sound experience. Both switches deliver satisfying tactility and auditory feedback, but their specific housing materials provide distinct characteristics that can cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, a few key differences emerge. The CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is lighter.
The actuation force is the amount of force needed to register a keystroke. In this aspect, the CJ switch requires a slightly heavier force compared to the Yanyu switch, which potentially affects the typing experience. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force, as it allows for longer periods of typing without experiencing fatigue. This quality makes it suitable for keyboards utilized in professional settings or during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, there are users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and opt for switches with heavier actuation forces.
Moving on to the bottom out force, which measures the force required to press the key all the way down, the Yanyu switch proves to be lighter with a force of 43 grams. While the CJ switch's bottom out force is slightly heavier at 60 grams, it still falls within the medium range. As both switches have different bottom out forces, users can expect varying levels of resistance when pressing the keys completely.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CJ switch possesses a medium actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a lighter bottom out force, and the exact actuation force remains unknown. By considering these differences, individuals can select the switch that aligns with their preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled. Both switches provide a comfortable and consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance your keys travel when pressed.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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. These switches have a higher-pitched clack sound that sets them apart from others. Additionally, they provide an impossibly smooth push feel when typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or typing for long periods. The Yanyu's material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, providing a satisfying thocky sound when pressed.
As for the feel, both the CJ and Yanyu switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. Their qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is also characterized as feathery, meaning it requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switch is also described as subtle, providing a gentle resistance without being too feather-light. Moreover, both switches have a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined keystrokes with reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a delicate typing experience, perfect for long periods of typing. The Yanyu switch provides a crisp sound profile with a satisfying thocky sound when pressed. Both switches offer a mild feel, with the Yanyu switch being exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue. The polished finish of these switches guarantees smooth and refined keystrokes. Overall, while the CJ and Yanyu switches have their unique qualities, they provide similar experiences in terms of sound and feel, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering the Gateron CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. If you are looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, the CJ would be a great choice. The CJ offers a higher-pitched clack sound and an impossibly smooth push feel when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a delicate typing experience, the Yanyu switch would be ideal. The Yanyu provides a crisp sound profile and is perfect for those typing for long periods of time. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a gentle typing experience, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel when making a decision between these two switches.
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