Gateron CJ vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Yellow Silver are two options that offer unique features and benefits. The Gateron CJ is widely recognized for its exceptional linear switch experience. Typing on these switches provides a satisfyingly higher-pitched clack sound and an unbelievably smooth push feel. With categories such as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the Gateron CJ offers a truly distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver, produced by Outemu, is highly regarded for its consistency and quality. This switch boasts a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Categorized simply as 'Neutral', the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a reliable and efficient typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ in several aspects. Starting with the top housing, the CJ utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Yellow Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. While both materials produce distinct sounds, the CJ's INK blend offers a slightly less sharp tone compared to the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate.
Moving to the bottom housing, the CJ employs POM, which contributes to an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. Conversely, the Yellow Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, the CJ's POM bottom housing offers a deeper sound, whereas the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing delivers a fuller and more resonant sound.
When comparing the overall impact of the housing materials, both the top and bottom housing of a switch play a role in determining the sound and feel. The bottom housing, which is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, will predominantly showcase the qualities of the CJ's POM or the Yellow Silver's nylon. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with the CJ's INK blend offering a slightly less sharp sound compared to the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate. Therefore, while there are differences in the housing materials, both switches ultimately provide unique and satisfying sound profiles, albeit with slight variations in pitch and tone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The CJ has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the CJ also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams. This means that when typing on the CJ switch, there will be a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch provides a lighter touch with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight can be advantageous for users who prefer to type for extended periods of time, such as in a work or gaming setting. In terms of similarities, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience. Therefore, users can expect comparable results from both switches, with minor variations in the required force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, whether one prefers a slightly heavier or lighter touch while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect similar results and experiences when using either switch. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback as they travel from the top to the bottom. Ultimately, individuals can choose between the Gateron CJ and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches based on other factors such as actuation force or overall typing experience, as the travel distance is not a distinguishing factor between the two.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Gateron CJ linear switch is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. When typing on them, users will experience higher-pitched clacks, giving it a chirpy sound profile. Additionally, the CJ provides an impossibly smooth push feel, making it a delight to type on. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is best known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. This switch is favored by gamers and typists who prefer a speedy and responsive typing experience. While the sound profile of the Yellow Silver is not specifically mentioned, it can be assumed to be neutral, similar to the CJ.
In terms of sound, the CJ switch offers a chirpy sound profile with higher-pitched clacks. This unique acoustic signature sets it apart from other switches, providing an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Yellow Silver switch is not specified, but it can be assumed to be neutral based on the limited information available. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the CJ switch is described as providing a mild typing experience. It offers a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. With its qualities falling in a safe middle-ground zone, the CJ switch is approachable and comfortable for most users. Unfortunately, no information is provided about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch stands out for its unique and enjoyable sound and feel. With higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel, it provides a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the information provided about the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is limited, with only its light actuation force and neutral sound profile mentioned. While it's difficult to make a direct comparison without detailed information on the feel and sound of the Yellow Silver switch, it can be assumed that it would provide a similar typing experience to the CJ in terms of its neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific use case of the mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch experience, the Gateron CJ is a great choice. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a satisfying push feel and higher-pitched clacks when typing. Additionally, it has a variety of sound options, including a chirpy and low-pitched profile, providing a distinct auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a speediness and responsiveness favored by gamers and typists. The neutral sound profile ensures versatility for various purposes, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. However, the Yellow Silver switch lacks specific descriptors for its feel.
Ultimately, both switches have their strengths. The Gateron CJ stands out for its unique sound options and enjoyable typing experience, while the Outemu Yellow Silver excels in its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. Consider your preferences and requirements to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
