Gateron CJ vs Gateron Ink Black V2
The Gateron CJ and the Gateron Ink Black V2 are often cross-shopped. The main differences: the Gateron CJ is lighter to actuate (50g versus 60g); stock they sound different: smooth mid linear versus deep, clacky; the Gateron CJ costs less per switch ($0.55 versus $0.75).
- Cheaper per switchGateron CJ$0.55 versus $0.75
Choose the Gateron CJ if
- you want a switch popular for smooth linears.
- you want a switch popular for custom builds.
- you want a lighter keystroke (50g).
- you want to spend less per switch.
Choose the Gateron Ink Black V2 if
- you want a switch popular for enthusiast builds.
- you want a switch popular for premium linears.
- you want a heavier, more deliberate press (60g).
Gateron CJ vs Gateron Ink Black V2, spec by spec
| Gateron CJ | Gateron Ink Black V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Compatibility | Standard MX sockets | Standard MX sockets |
| Actuation force | 50g | 60g |
| Bottom-out force | n/a | 70g |
| Pre-travel | n/a | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 4 mm | 4 mm |
| Stem | POM | POM |
| Top housing | PC | smoky INK blend |
| Bottom housing | nylon | smoky INK blend |
| Spring | n/a | single-stage |
| Factory lube | factory lubed | light |
| Pins | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Price / switch | $0.55 (stronger spec) | $0.75 |
| Sound profile | smooth mid linear | deep, clacky |
| Released | 2022 | 2019 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 227 switches we track
52% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Gateron CJ; 82% of the 198 switches tracked here actuate lighter than the Gateron Ink Black V2.
57% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Gateron CJ; 57% of the 224 switches tracked here have shorter total travel than the Gateron Ink Black V2.
70% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Gateron CJ; 95% of the 193 switches tracked here cost less per switch than the Gateron Ink Black V2.
Where to buy the Gateron CJ
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual switch retailers.
Where to buy the Gateron Ink Black V2
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