Gateron CM vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Gateron CM and Cherry MX Purple RGB can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron CM excels in delivering a buttery and thocky feel, thanks to its full nylon housing that produces a rich sound signature and an impressively smooth typing journey, enhanced by an impeccable factory lube job. Its lengthened, dual-staged spring contributes to a bouncy sensation that many users adore, making it ideal for those who favor a fluid, gliding experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile switch characterized by a short, medium-strength bump, providing the user with tactile feedback that many typists appreciate. This switch, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, caters to individuals who enjoy a distinct click and satisfying resistance with each keystroke. Both switches have their own unique benefits—whether you prefer the smooth, quieter operation of the Gateron CM or the tactile responsiveness of the Cherry MX Purple RGB. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, it is significant to note that both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality in material choice provides both switches with distinct acoustic and tactile properties that enhance the overall typing experience. Nylon, known for its softer and more pliable nature, absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a characteristic sound profile that is deeper and fuller. The result is a typing sound that is perceived as rounder and more muted, which is particularly desirable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In both the Gateron CM and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, the nylon housing contributes to the overall sound dynamics differently depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or letting it return. Since both switches feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, users can expect similar performance in terms of acoustics: both switch types will elicit similar sound characteristics when bottomed out and released. However, because of variances in design and construction, users might still experience subtle differences in feel and sound that can affect personal preference. While the nylon reduces noise, the unique configurations and additional engineering from each manufacturer's design might lead to variations in user experience.
In summary, while there is a remarkable similarity in the materials used in the Gateron CM and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, with both featuring nylon for their top and bottom housings, the actual typing experience may differ due to each manufacturer's individual designs. The nylon's intrinsic qualities will ensure that both switches deliver a full-bodied sound profile and muted acoustics, but the feel during the actuation and release, as well as the overall smoothness and tactile feedback, may vary due to differences in construction and other materials included in each switch. Users seeking a specific typing experience might find that even with similar materials, the variations are enough to sway their preferences between the two options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we can see a notable difference in their actuation weights. The Gateron CM switch requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates that it requires less pressure to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the overall pressing experience beyond the actuation stage. Given that the Gateron CM is heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force, it may provide a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer more tactile feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB’s lighter actuation force may be ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, reducing finger fatigue. Those who prioritize a lightweight switch for comfort should lean towards the Cherry MX, while users desiring a firmer feel might prefer the Gateron CM.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the Gateron CM exhibits a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer. This difference may affect the feel and responsiveness of each switch; gamers might favor the Gateron CM for its shorter travel, which can lead to quicker key presses and faster response times. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial sensation while typing may appreciate the depth of the Cherry MX Purple RGB. As traditional travel distances tend toward 4.0 mm, the Gateron CM's 3.6 mm distance aligns with the trend toward shorter switches, appealing to users seeking a snappier experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and switch feel.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 CM linear switch produces a notably deeper and richer sound due to its unique nylon housing, which gives it a bassy, thocky, low-pitched character. The auditory experience of pressing these keys is akin to a satisfying thud, reminiscent of a soft knock, thanks to the meticulous factory lube job enhancing its acoustic quality. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch does not have a specified sound profile in this context; however, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound produced by any switch can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap materials used, making it tricky to generalize without specific descriptors for the MX Purple RGB.
On the feel front, the Gateron CM switch shines with a buttery and polished typing experience, allowing for smooth, fluid keystrokes that glide effortlessly beneath your fingers. The creamy sensation provided by these switches, attributed to their factory lubing and material choice, results in a frictionless travel with no resistance felt during typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a tactile feel characterized by a short, medium-strength bump, which makes it stand out from the CM's smoothness. While the MX Purple excels at providing that tactile feedback beloved by many enthusiasts, it may not offer the same level of buttery smoothness as the Gateron CM.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Gateron CM linear switch is ideal for those who prioritize sound quality and a silky, smooth feel during typing, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch appeals to users seeking tactile feedback. Although their characteristics differ, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences depending on individual tastes and the overall keyboard setup. For those who value smoothness, the Gateron CM is hard to beat, while tactile enthusiasts might find the Cherry MX Purple RGB fits their needs more closely.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth, bouncy typing experience with a richer, deeper sound profile, the Gateron CM is your best bet. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, combined with its superior factory lubrication and full nylon housing, provides a sensation akin to gliding smoothly over the keys, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile experience that offers a clear bump for feedback without being overly heavy, you might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches. Although their specific bottom-out force isn't provided, they are known for their refined tactile feedback developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, making them popular among those who enjoy a pronounced feel and sound with each key press. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize an engaging sensory experience or a responsive tactile feel when making your choice, as both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences.
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