Kailh Berry vs. Gateron Box CJ
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Box CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry, a linear switch, and the Gateron Box CJ, also a linear switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Berry switch is praised for its hefty typing experience, with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, resulting in a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Box CJ offers swift characteristics, designed for rapid response, and features a higher-pitched clack and an incredibly smooth push feel. While the Berry switch is textured and bassy, the Box CJ is clacky and chirpy. Both switches have their own advantages 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Box CJ are quite similar, with both switches featuring polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design of the switch. Both switches offer a similar sound profile and visual appeal with their polycarbonate top housing.
While the top housings of the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Box CJ are the same, their bottom housings differ with the Berry featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Box CJ also having a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Both switches maintain consistency with their choice of nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
When comparing the Kailh Berry and the Gateron Box CJ, it is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience with a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, it is evident that they have different weight profiles. The Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force remains unknown. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. The Berry switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Box CJ switch offers a lighter and possibly more comfortable typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces, with lighter switches being favored for extended typing or gaming sessions, and heavier switches for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gateron Box CJ linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Box CJ provides a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so users can expect varying levels of tactile feedback and keypress sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone during key presses, providing a deep and rich sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch produces a clacky and neutral sound that is sharp, snappy, and moderate in volume. The Box CJ switch also has a chirpy sound that adds a unique acoustic signature to the typing experience. Remember, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is noted for its textured typing experience that may provide some friction when pressed. This attribute can be preferred by users who enjoy a tactile sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. The Box CJ switch provides an incredibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, enhancing the overall typing experience with a level of comfort.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch provides a springy feel with a chalk-like texture and deep, bassy sound profile, while the Box CJ switch delivers a smooth push feel with higher-pitched clacks and a neutral, clacky sound. Depending on your preferences for texture, sound, and typing experience, both these switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and enjoy a personalized and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier typing feel with a chalk-like texture, deep sound profile, and low-pitched/bassy sound, the Berry switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and faster typing experience with higher-pitched clacks, an impossibly smooth push feel, and a variety of sound profiles (including clacky, neutral, and chirpy), the Box CJ switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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