Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Box CJ
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Box CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Box CJ mechanical keyboard switches, two distinct options with unique characteristics come to mind. The Bamboo Green switch offers a tactile typing experience with a clacky sound signature and sparkling tactility, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ switch is a linear option that provides a smooth and rapid response, perfect for typists seeking a swift and effortless typing experience. While the Bamboo Green switch is categorized as 'Stepped', 'High-pitched', 'Accented', 'Sharp', 'Resonant', 'Polished', the Box CJ is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Chirpy'. Overall, both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Box CJ, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile and is neither dull nor crisp. In contrast, the Box CJ uses a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. While the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green maintains a neutral sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Box CJ, both switches excel in providing unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green offers a more balanced sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ provides a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green maintains a neutral sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Overall, both switches showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the sound and feel of a switch.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. The qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom housings is essential in achieving the desired sound profile and typing experience for any mechanical switch.
Weight
Comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Bamboo Green has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Box CJ's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Bamboo Green at 62 grams is heavier than the Box CJ's 57 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may appreciate the Box CJ for its lower bottom out force, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Bamboo Green for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches are equal and users can expect similar results from each.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The Gateron Box 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 Box CJ for $5.35.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp sound that may appeal to those who prefer a brighter sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a clacky and chirpy sound experience, with higher-pitched clacks that can add a unique auditory signature to your typing. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch offers a stepped and accented tactile experience, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The sharp tactile bump of this switch delivers a distinct feedback intensity with each keystroke, giving typists a polished and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a mild typing experience, striking a balance between gentle feedback and a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. This makes the Box CJ switch approachable to most users due to its safe and middle-ground qualities.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a brighter sound profile and medium tactility, the Bamboo Green switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound experience and a mild linear feel, the Box CJ switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference in sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch or the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a clacky sound signature with crisp tactility and a medium bottom out force, the Bamboo Green may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a swift, smooth push feel, higher-pitched clacks, and a lighter bottom out force, the Box CJ might be more suitable for your needs. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both, carefully considering these factors will help you make an informed decision on which switch to choose for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
