Gateron Box CJ vs. KTT Cabbage Tofu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Cabbage Tofu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Cabbage Tofu mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both offer unique features catered to different preferences. On one hand, the Box CJ is ideal for those who prioritize rapid response and a smooth typing experience with higher-pitched clacks. It provides a blank canvas for customization with its unlubed design, allowing enthusiasts to tailor the smoothness to their liking. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch boasts improved tactility and responsiveness, thanks to its lengthened 22mm spring that facilitates swift rebound after actuation. With a sound profile reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, it offers a polished and snappy typing experience. While these general characteristics provide a good starting point for choosing between the two switches, diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you make the best decision based on your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Cabbage Tofu utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the differences between the two switches lie in their bottom housing materials. The Box CJ features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Cabbage Tofu also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing, the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Cabbage Tofu offer unique typing experiences due to their differing bottom housing materials. While the Box CJ provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, the Cabbage Tofu also delivers a similar typing experience but with a slightly duller and rounder sound. When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switch, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom, influencing the sound on both the press down and the release of a key. Therefore, while both switches may offer comparable results in terms of overall sound profiles, the choice between them may come down to personal preference in terms of sound feel and aesthetics.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Cabbage Tofu both prioritize sound quality in their design by utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. This material creates a sharp, crisp, and resonant sound profile while also allowing for RGB lighting effects. However, the switch experience is further enhanced by the unique properties of their bottom housing materials. The Box CJ's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Cabbage Tofu's nylon bottom housing provides a slightly duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preferences in sound feel and aesthetics, as they both offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an excellent typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams while the Cabbage Tofu requires 53 grams, making the Box CJ slightly heavier in terms of the force needed to press all the way down. The Box CJ can provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Cabbage Tofu due to the higher bottom out force. Weight is an important factor to consider as lighter switches are ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches can offer a more satisfying push feel for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer similar actuation forces, so users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from top to bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and reliable typing experience due to their identical travel distances. This makes them suitable options for users who prefer a shorter travel distance for their switches. Overall, the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ and KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switches are equal, providing a similar typing experience for users.
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 KTT Cabbage Tofu has an MSRP of $3.25 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cabbage Tofu for $2.75.
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
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch is known for its high-pitched clacks, giving it a unique and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch produces a sound reminiscent of Mahjong tiles colliding, providing a different auditory experience. Both switches offer a different sound profile, with the Box CJ being described as clacky and neutral, while the Cabbage Tofu is described as clacky and high-pitched, catering to different preferences in sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is lauded for its impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. In comparison, the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch boasts improved tactility and responsiveness due to its lengthened 22mm spring, providing a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These differences in feel cater to users who prioritize smoothness and gentleness in typing versus those who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ excels in providing a sharp, clacky sound and a mild typing experience with effortlessly smooth keypresses. On the other hand, the Cabbage Tofu switch delivers a sound reminiscent of colliding Mahjong tiles and a creamy, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience with improved tactility and responsiveness. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Cabbage Tofu linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a swift response and higher-pitched clacks, the Box CJ may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if improved tactility and a swift rebound after actuation are more important to you, the Cabbage Tofu could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal typing style and the type of sound and feel you prefer in a keyboard switch. Whether you choose the Box CJ or the Cabbage Tofu, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so consider your preferences carefully before making your decision.
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