Gateron Box CJ vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, you have to consider the key characteristics of each. The Gateron Box CJ is designed for those who require rapid response and a smooth typing experience, offering a higher-pitched clack and effortless glide. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switch boasts extreme tactility, providing a sharp and aggressive typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Kailh Box Royal switches offer contrasting characteristics that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting with its translucency, the Box Royal's nylon top housing provides a classic typing experience with a rounder sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Kailh Box Royal switches utilize nylon for a softer and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of each switch helps to absorb sound, creating a duller and more rounded sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material results in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound, with both switches offering a deeper sound profile when typing. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel may differ slightly between the two switches, depending on other factors such as the spring weight and keycap material.
Overall, while the Gateron Box CJ and the Kailh Box Royal switches share similar characteristics in their nylon bottom housing, they diverge in their choice of top housing material. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Box Royal offers a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel, with the Box CJ catering towards those who prefer a crisper sound and the Box Royal appealing to those who enjoy a rounder sound.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch are quite different. The Gateron Box CJ has a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal has the same actuation force of 45 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This means that the Box CJ will provide a lighter typing experience overall, while the Box Royal will offer a more substantial and firm typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing force. If a lighter touch is preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Box CJ would be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and don't mind the extra force required, the Box Royal would be the ideal choice.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch. This means that the Box CJ will require a slightly deeper press to actuate compared to the Box Royal. If you prefer a switch with a longer travel distance that provides a more satisfying tactile feedback, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Box Royal may be more suitable. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Box Royal 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 Gateron Box CJ switch is known for its clacky sound, producing sharp and snappy noises when pressed. This sound profile gives a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by a high-pitched sound, delivering sharp and crisp tones upon actuation. When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch offers a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing typists with a mild typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal switch boasts a sharp tactile bump, offering intense feedback with each keypress.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ provides a clacky sound with a smooth push feel, appealing to those seeking swift response and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal delivers a high-pitched sound and sharp tactile feedback, catering to users who prefer aggressive tactility. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience with either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and rapid typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch would be a great choice for you. The higher-pitched clacks and customizable lubrication options make it a versatile option for those seeking a unique typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a highly tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp, binary tactility, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the way to go. The intense tactile bump and high-pitched sound profile make it ideal for typists who enjoy a more aggressive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
