Gateron CJ vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CJ and the KTT Semi Mute, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron CJ is well-known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. Typing on these switches offers a smooth push feel accompanied by higher-pitched clacks, creating a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute is aptly named despite its completely silent operation. These switches are designed for those who value a noise-free environment, particularly during late-night typing sessions. Featuring advanced dampening technology, the KTT Semi Mute provides a comfortable and satisfying typing feel. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron CJ Linear

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron CJ and the KTT Semi Mute have distinct differences in their housing materials. The CJ features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The CJ's INK blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Both materials provide satisfying thin and higher-pitched sounds, although the CJ's INK blend is characterized as not overly sharp compared to the Semi Mute's polycarbonate.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the CJ incorporates a POM (polyoxymethylene) material, while the Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing. The POM bottom housing of the CJ creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Semi Mute contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. These materials affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with the CJ's POM housing delivering a unique and pleasing sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing offers a more resonant and clear sound.

It is important to note that the different housing materials in these switches divide the qualities between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is mainly influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key is predominantly affected by the top housing. Despite their differences, both the Gateron CJ and the KTT Semi Mute provide satisfying sound profiles with their respective housing materials. Whether it be the CJ's INK blend or the Semi Mute's polycarbonate, users can expect similar results in terms of thin and higher-pitched sounds, albeit with varying levels of sharpness and clarity.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, some similarities and differences emerge. In terms of weight, the CJ switch is slightly heavier than the Semi Mute. The CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams. Similarly, the CJ has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Semi Mute has a bottom out force of 58 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force range.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Semi Mute would be a favorable choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it requires less force to trigger keystrokes and provides a lighter touch, enabling users to comfortably type for longer periods of time without strain. Consequently, the Semi Mute switch could be a suitable option for individuals who frequently use their keyboards for work or engage in extended gaming sessions.

On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the CJ switch. As it has higher actuation and bottom out forces, the CJ switch offers a stronger push feel, providing users with a tactile sensation and a sense of robustness. This can be appealing for individuals who prefer a more forceful keystroke and appreciate the satisfaction that comes with a more pronounced activation. Additionally, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the CJ switch could cater to users who desire a more responsive and precise typing experience.

In summary, while the CJ and Semi Mute linear switches share similarities in being medium force switches, there are slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The CJ switch leans towards a slightly heavier touch, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch offers a lighter touch, which is beneficial for individuals seeking a more comfortable and extended typing session. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron CJ linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the typing experience is consistent and offers a familiar feel. Whether you opt for the Gateron CJ or the KTT Semi Mute switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance, making both options suitable for individuals who prefer a 4 mm travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch has a unique and enjoyable presentation. When typing on them, users can expect higher-pitched clacks, giving them a chirpy and lively sound. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is named "Semi Mute" despite its completely silent operation. This switch is specifically designed for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, providing a muted experience. Although the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps, the CJ switch offers a more distinctive and high-pitched sound profile, while the Semi Mute switch delivers a more subtle and muted sound.

In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel. It provides a typing experience that is described as mild, offering a more gentle and approachable sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The KTT Semi Mute linear switch, on the other hand, provides a buttery and fluid keystroke experience. It ensures a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer a mild typing experience that is comfortable and gratifying, with the CJ switch leaning towards a safe middle-ground zone and the Semi Mute switch emphasizing smoothness and fluidity.

In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation, with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. It provides a chirpy sound and a mild typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed for a noise-free environment, offering a muted sound profile and a buttery and fluid typing feel. Both switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing experience but with different sound profiles and slight variations in the typing feel. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, they can choose the CJ switch for a unique and lively experience or the Semi Mute switch for a quieter and smoother typing session.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, then the Gateron CJ linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and a silent typing experience, especially during late-night sessions, then the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be the better option. The CJ switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 58 grams, but both switches fall within the medium range. In terms of sound, the CJ offers options such as chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, or thocky, while the Semi Mute provides a muted and neutral sound profile. As for feel, the CJ offers a mild typing experience, while the Semi Mute provides a buttery and mild sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your specific preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more