Gateron CM vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CM and Cherry MX Black are both excellent options to consider. The CM switches stand out with their unique full nylon housing, which not only adds durability but also enhances the overall sound quality, resulting in a richer and deeper sound signature. Additionally, these switches come pre-lubricated from the factory, ensuring a smooth typing experience that feels like gliding gracefully with each keystroke. The lengthened, dual-staged spring of the CM switches also provides a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Black switches from Cherry have been further perfected with the introduction of their Hyperglide tooling, allowing for a textured smoothness that is highly sought after. Typing on the MX Black switches delivers a familiar deep sound profile, which adds to the overall 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Cherry MX Black, namely the nylon top and bottom housings, share many similarities. Both switches utilize nylon as a classic housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's characteristic softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, whether it is the CM or the MX Black, users can expect similar acoustic experiences, as the nylon housing materials play a crucial role in enhancing the typing sound.
However, despite the similarities in their housing materials, there may be subtle differences between the Gateron CM and the Cherry MX Black switches. If the top and bottom housings are different for a given switch, the qualities brought by each housing material will be distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that when pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will primarily impact the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the unique combination of the top and bottom housing materials may result in slight variations in the overall sound profile and tactile experience between the Gateron CM and the Cherry MX Black.
In summary, the Gateron CM and Cherry MX Black switches share the same housing materials, namely nylon for both the top and bottom housings. This commonality ensures that users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch. While there may be subtle differences resulting from the distribution of housing materials between the top and bottom, these variances may not be significant enough to distinguish the switches' overall performance. Ultimately, both switches offer a quality typing experience enhanced by the use of nylon housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gateron CM has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams. This means that the Gateron CM requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Black is heavier, requiring 80 grams compared to the CM's 63.5 grams. This indicates that the MX Black provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy to heavy force range, offering a satisfying resistance for those who prefer a bit of weight in their typing. Overall, individuals looking for a lighter option for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Gateron CM, while those who prefer a heavier push feel for a more impactful typing experience may opt for the Cherry MX Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the CM has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm while the MX Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the MX Black is the more traditional choice, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the CM is on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the CM an attractive option for them. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the MX Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the keys.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 CM linear switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile during key presses. The switches produce a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This creates a satisfying and mellow auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch also provides a low-pitched sound profile, contributing to a bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the exact characteristics of the sound may vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, both switches offer similar low-pitched sound qualities.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. The switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, thanks to the seamless and effortless typing sensation they provide. The switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In addition, they can feel creamy, allowing for a silky sensation while typing and effortlessly melting into each keystroke. Furthermore, the switches offer a frictionless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is described as textured and stiff. These switches have noticeable friction when pressed, providing a textured typing experience preferred by some users. However, they also require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, resulting in a stiffer typing experience compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM switch delivers a deeper and richer sound profile, while the MX Black switch also provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches have their own unique feel, with the CM switch offering a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, and the MX Black switch providing a textured and stiff sensation. It is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the ideal switch for each user. Based on the information provided, one can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, however, personal experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect match.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a rich, deep sound signature, the Gateron CM linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, it offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, evoking a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Additionally, its lengthened, dual-staged spring provides a bouncy typing experience. However, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a classic textured smoothness, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be more suitable for you. With Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, these switches offer a familiar deep sound profile when typing. It is important to note that the CM is known for a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound, while the MX Black emphasizes a low-pitched tone. In terms of feel, the CM offers a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, while the MX Black is textured and stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron CM and Cherry MX Black switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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