Gateron CM vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) 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 CM, a linear switch, and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), a tactile switch. Each switch offers its unique advantages and characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and typing experiences.
The Gateron CM stands out with its full nylon housing, breaking away from the conventional polycarbonate housings. This design choice lends the CM switches a richer and deeper sound signature, creating a truly immersive typing journey. Additionally, with an impeccable factory lube job, these switches boast an effortlessly smooth typing experience, giving the sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. The CM switches also feature lengthened, dual-staged springs, which enhance the typing experience by offering a bouncy feel. Categorized as "buttery," "bassy," "polished," "thocky," "low-pitched," "creamy," and "frictionless," the Gateron CM switches provide a unique combination of qualities.
On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches offer a sharp tactile feel that is sought after by many typists. With a top and bottom housing made from a unique blend of PBT, these switches provide a rare and premium typing experience. The Moyu Blacks feature a strong downstroke tactile bump, and what sets them apart is an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, resulting in a hypertactile sensation. Typing with these switches produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound, thanks to the downstroke bump. With a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, the Moyu Blacks deliver a distinctive and impactful typing experience. They are categorized as "accented," "resonant," and "sharp," further highlighting their unique qualities.
Overall, the Gateron CM linear switches offer a smooth and gliding typing journey, while the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches provide a sharp and impactful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in their choice of housing materials. The CM features a nylon top housing, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT top housing. The nylon top housing of the CM lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a more neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In terms of sound, the CM switch will produce a slightly duller and rounder sound, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will deliver a more balanced audio experience.
Similarly, the CM's nylon bottom housing and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade)'s PBT bottom housing differ in their characteristics. The use of nylon in the CM's bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound. In contrast, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a neutral sound profile, meaning it does not possess a distinct crispness or dullness. When using the CM switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will contribute to the overall sound when releasing a key.
While the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ, they both offer unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience. The nylon top housing of the CM elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a more neutral audio experience. Similarly, the nylon and PBT bottom housings of each switch impact the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon housing offering a deeper sound and the PBT housing maintaining a neutral sound profile. While the results may vary, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying and enhanced typing experience with their individual housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of weight, the CM is slightly heavier than the Moyu Black. The CM has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Moyu Black has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the CM at 63.5 grams and the Moyu Black at 67 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Moyu Black's lower actuation force may be preferable, as it requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. This could be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the CM switch, which has a slightly higher actuation force. This can provide a stronger push sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Despite their variations, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range for bottom out force. Therefore, if the bottom out impact is the main concern, both the CM and Moyu Black are likely to offer similar results, with a comparable amount of force required to press the keys all the way down.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style. Some may favor the CM for its heavier actuation force, while others may opt for the Moyu Black for its lighter touch. Both switches provide the medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the CM switch.
In terms of preferences, the shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm in the CM switch may be favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The decreased distance allows for quicker keystrokes, enhancing gaming performance. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) with its longer travel distance of 4 mm may appeal to individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keystroke. This additional depth can provide a sense of satisfaction or comfort when typing or gaming for extended periods.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference. If you value speed and responsiveness, opting for the Gateron CM linear switch with its shorter travel distance would be ideal. However, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke and a sense of depth, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Either way, both switches offer distinct experiences, ensuring that users will achieve their desired results, albeit with slight differences in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 CM linear switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when the keys are pressed, you can expect a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range. The sound produced by these switches resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch provides a resonant sound profile. This means that the sound produced is higher-pitched, clean, and sharp, creating an immersive auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The materials used and the factory lube job contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is described as accented and sharp. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The tactile bump is strong, crisp, and distinct with each keypress, offering a high feedback intensity.
To conclude, the Gateron CM linear switch is best known for its rich and deep sound signature, accompanied by a smooth and buttery typing experience. The lengthened, dual-staged spring adds a bounce to the typing journey, creating a bouncy and enjoyable feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch stands out with its rare and premium typing experience. The strong downstroke tactile bump coupled with an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump creates a hypertactile sensation, resulting in a distinctive and impactful typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing a range of options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a rich and deep sound profile with a smooth and polished typing experience, the Gateron CM linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, these switches provide a bouncy and buttery typing experience, evoking a sensation of effortlessly gliding with each keystroke. The sound produced by the CM switches is characterized as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique and premium typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch would be a great fit for you. Featuring a blend of PBT top and bottom housing, these switches offer a sharp and distinctive tactile feel. The Moyu Blacks have a strong downstroke tactile bump, but what sets them apart is the even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, resulting in a hypertactile sensation. The sound produced by the Moyu Blacks is described as resonant, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize sound and a smooth typing experience, go for the CM switches. If you prefer a unique and pronounced tactile feel, opt for the Moyu Blacks. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
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