Cherry MX Black Clear Top
vsGateron CJ
Hear them
Side by side
| Cherry MX Black Clear Top | Gateron CJ | |
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Sound | Balanced | Recorded |
| Loudness | -31.9 dB | -28.8 dB |
| Pitch | 2,253 Hz | 2,955 Hz |
| Spring weight | 62.6 g | 62.7 g |
| Actuation force | 34.6 g | 36.6 g |
| Bottom-out force | 80 g | 81.1 g |
| Total travel | 4 mm | 4.1 mm |
Force curves compared
Both curves modeled from each switch's measured actuation, bottom-out values.
Which should you pick?
The Cherry MX Black Clear Top and Gateron CJ are both linear switches, but they feel and sound different enough to be worth comparing directly.
Gateron CJ runs the heavier spring at 62.7g versus 62.6g — about 0.10000000000000142g more — so it feels more deliberate under the finger, while Cherry MX Black Clear Top is quicker and lighter to press.
On sound, Gateron CJ is the louder of the two at -28.8dB versus -31.9dB (3.099999999999998dB quieter), pitched higher at roughly 2,955Hz. It reads as recorded, while Cherry MX Black Clear Top comes across more balanced.
Pick Cherry MX Black Clear Top if you want a lighter, faster press and a quieter typing sound. Pick Gateron CJ if you'd rather have a heavier, more controlled press and a louder, more present sound. Use the players above to hear which one you actually prefer.
Full pages
Hear the difference for real
Load either switch into the live simulator and A/B them with your plate, case and keycaps.
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