Gateron Box CJ vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Box CJ is celebrated for its rapid response, making it ideal for those who require speed and precision in their keystrokes. With a higher-pitched clack and an incredibly smooth push feel, these switches deliver a unique auditory and tactile feedback that many users find satisfying. Additionally, the Box CJ arrives unlubed, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to customize their switches according to personal preferences, whether they prefer a drier sound or a more refined feel. In contrast, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, appealing to those who prioritize silence without sacrificing responsiveness. The Bumblebee Linear’s design ensures a seamless keystroke journey, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who enjoy a quieter environment. While both switches deliver a linear typing experience, they embody different characteristics that may resonate with users differently. 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
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear, it becomes evident that they utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. It is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear employs a POM top housing, which yields a deeper and more muted sound profile. The inherent properties of POM contribute to this distinct timbre, making it less bright than polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This similarity is quite significant as nylon is known for its softer texture, which absorbs sound and results in a fuller and rounder auditory experience. Both the Box CJ and Bumblebee Linear will exhibit a deeper sound profile due to their nylon bottoms. When typing on these switches, users are likely to experience the rich and smooth auditory feedback that nylon provides, resulting in a satisfying tactile experience regardless of the variance in their top housings.
In essence, the contrasting top housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and Bsun Bumblebee Linear create unique sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that a deeper auditory experience is maintained in both switches. This interplay between the different top materials and the common bottom material results in distinct yet complementary experiences for users. Those who favor a bright sound will prefer the Box CJ, as its polycarbonate top will resonate more clearly, while others seeking a more muted and deep sound will find satisfaction in the Bumblebee Linear's POM housing. Regardless of the top housing choice, the nylon bottom reinforces a consistent foundation for a rich typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, it becomes evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will trigger a keystroke with the same pressure applied. However, the bottom out force differs between the two: the Box CJ reaches a higher bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Bumblebee Linear bottoms out at 50 grams. This indicates that the Box CJ provides a slightly heavier overall feel, requiring more effort to fully press down. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Bumblebee Linear is the better choice, offering a less taxing experience while typing. The Gateron Box CJ, on the other hand, caters to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Thus, while both switches share the same actuation force, their differing bottom out forces cater to different preferences in typing feel and resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, the Gateron Box CJ stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Bsun Bumblebee Linear offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Box CJ provides a more pronounced keystroke, which may appeal to users who favor a more satisfying depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Bumblebee Linear, with its reduced travel distance, may cater to gamers or individuals seeking quicker response times and a more streamlined action. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference: those who appreciate a hearty keystroke should lean towards the Box CJ, while those who prioritize rapid engagement may find the Bumblebee Linear more to their liking.
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 Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch presents a distinctive auditory profile characterized by a higher-pitched clack. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp and bright, making it suitable for environments where a percussive typing experience is appreciated. Additionally, it possesses a chirpy quality that adds a unique acoustic signature. While the sound of any switch can be influenced by the keyboard itself and the type of keycaps used, the Box CJ is notably more expressive than many typical linear switches. In contrast, the specific sound characteristics of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch remain unspecified, leaving questions about its auditory profile. However, it is mentioned that it provides a bright sound profile, which may suggest some level of clarity reminiscent of the Box CJ’s higher-pitched clacks.
In terms of feel, the Box CJ stands out for its impressively smooth push feel; this contributes to a typing experience that glides effortlessly, thanks to its design, which highlights rapid response. It’s categorized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that strikes a balance, making it approachable for both new and experienced users. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch are not detailed, leaving an uncertainty about how it compares in this aspect. Without specific descriptors for its tactile feedback, one cannot definitively state its smoothness or any potential nuances in the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a combination of crisp, bright sound and exceptionally smooth feel, tailored for users seeking rapid response and a custom typing experience. Its unique chirpy quality adds an acoustic depth that may appeal to enthusiasts. While the Bumblebee Linear switch promises a bright sound profile, its feel remains an unknown variable, making it difficult to compare directly. Users can expect the Box CJ to deliver a well-rounded experience, whereas the Bumblebee’s performance in feel and further sound details requires more exploration. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, and enthusiasts looking for customizability and unique expressions may find joy in the Gateron Box CJ, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear's attributes remain a mystery worth investigating.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a slightly heavier feel and seek a switch designed for rapid response, the Box CJ's medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams and its distinct clacky sound profile may be more suitable for you. This switch offers a smooth experience that many enthusiasts enjoy customizing, giving you the ability to tailor its feel with lubrication to suit your needs. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more straightforward typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear, with a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and an exceptionally smooth tactile feel, can provide that effortless keypress you might desire. Although the Bumblebee lacks a pronounced sound signature like the Box CJ, it still delivers a bright and pleasant audio experience. In essence, your choice should reflect your typing habits: lean towards the Box CJ for speed and a more pronounced auditory feedback or embrace the Bumblebee Linear for a smooth, easy stroke that's perfect for extended typing sessions.
Mentioned in this article
