Gateron Box CJ vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Keygeek Briny both present unique advantages that appeal to different types of users, despite both being linear switches. The Gateron Box CJ is designed for the speed enthusiast, offering a higher-pitched clack and an unmistakably smooth feel that enables rapid key presses with minimal resistance. Its unlubed construction allows for a customizable experience, catering to those who appreciate the raw expression of tactile feedback or want to tailor the switch with their preferred lubrication. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny boasts a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and PA66 bottom housing, aiming to deliver a quieter typing experience that remains pleasant and refined. While the Box CJ leans towards a chirpier, more pronounced feedback ideal for typists who enjoy a more responsive touch, the Briny caters to users seeking a softer touch and muted acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Keygeek Briny, significant differences emerge, particularly regarding the top housing material. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, contributing to a clearer, higher-pitched sound profile. This material resonates well with RGB lighting setups, primarily due to its ability to allow light to pass through without distortion. The sharper sound characteristics of polycarbonate make it an excellent choice for users looking to achieve a more articulate auditory experience from their switches. In contrast, the Keygeek Briny employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer and more absorptive nature, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to be rounder. This marked difference in top housing materials will significantly influence the overall tonal quality when typing using either switch.
Despite the contrasting materials used for the top housings, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which offers a subdued typing experience with a fuller sound. The nylon material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a typing feel that is smoother and less sharp compared to the Box CJ's top housing. The harmony brought about by the nylon in both switches suggests that while the upper sound profiles may differ dramatically—one being crisper and brighter, and the other being warmer and fuller—the bottom-out experience will be similar. Both switches would ultimately provide a deep, rounded sound at the actuation point. Thus, even though the user may notice distinct top sounds in their key stroke profiles, the underlying feel and sound from the bottom housing will be fundamentally consistent across both switches.
In practice, when users type on the Gateron Box CJ and the Keygeek Briny, the switching experience will embody the unique traits of their respective top housings while simultaneously merging into a common nylon characteristic at the bottom housing. The Box CJ’s higher-pitched, clear top may captivate those who prefer defined auditory feedback from each keystroke, while the Briny may appeal to users who enjoy a rich, rounded sound. Thus, while the differences in top housing fundamentally influence the acoustic characteristics, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a certain level of auditory cohesion, offering a blend of sharpness and fullness in their sound profiles despite their distinct materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Box CJ features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Briny requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it within the medium range. As such, users who prefer a lighter touch may find the Box CJ more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a firmer feel in their keystrokes might gravitate toward the Briny for its more substantial resistance. Overall, the Gateron Box CJ is the lighter of the two switches, making it ideal for those who prioritize ease of use during longer periods at the keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Box CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional preference for a deeper feel when typing. In contrast, the Briny's travel distance is 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option of the two. This distinction suggests that gamers or those seeking rapid responsiveness may favor the Briny, while users who enjoy more substantial keypresses might find the Box CJ more appealing. Overall, the difference in travel distance between these switches—4 mm for the Box CJ and 3.6 mm for the Briny—highlights personal preferences between depth and responsiveness in keyboard feel.
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 Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 showcases a more pronounced audio character with its higher-pitched clacks and bright, crisp tones. This switch delivers a clacky sound, offering a sharp resonance when pressed, which can be thrilling for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Additionally, the presence of a chirpy quality gives it a unique acoustic signature, making it stand out among linear switches. In comparison, the Keygeek Briny switch is noted for a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which results in a more neutral and moderate auditory experience. As sound can be influenced by the keyboard assembly, such as the choice of board and keycaps, both switches can yield differing results depending on these external factors.
When it comes to feel, the Box CJ's experience is marked by an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing an impressive typing experience that caters to those who appreciate a swift response. This linear switch emphasizes a smooth actuation without the distraction of tactile bumps or clicks, allowing for rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the details regarding the feel of the Keygeek Briny have not been specified; thus, it remains unknown how it compares in terms of smoothness or response.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched sound and exceptionally smooth feel, the Keygeek Briny provides a more balanced auditory experience, though its tactile qualities are not detailed. If you prefer an audible typing experience and a super smooth actuation, the Box CJ would be the go-to option. However, for those who might appreciate a more subdued and neutral sound profile, the Briny could serve well, though further insights would be beneficial in assessing its overall feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique, and somewhat distinct, characteristics that could cater to different preferences in typing style and sound preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Box CJ and Keygeek Briny linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you are looking for a switch that offers a lighter touch with a swift response, those rapid-fire typists or gamers may find the Box CJ is especially appealing. Its 57-gram bottom-out force provides a nimble feel, making it ideal for fast typing and quick gaming. Additionally, if you appreciate a unique sound profile with higher-pitched clacks and a smooth, unlubed touch, the Box CJ will give you a raw typing experience with the option to customize lubrication to suit your needs. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced approach with a bit more weight to each keystroke, the Keygeek Briny, with its 60-gram bottom-out force, offers a satisfying medium feel that accommodates a wide range of typing styles. Its neutral sound profile ensures it’s suitable for both home and professional settings, without being overly distracting. In essence, if you prioritize speed and customization, go for the Box CJ; if you want a reliable all-rounder with a balanced feel, choose the Briny.
Mentioned in this article
