Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different options that offer unique tactile and auditory experiences. Take, for instance, the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Caramel Pudding, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is celebrated for its incredibly smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks, making it ideal for typists who value speed and responsiveness. With its unlubed design, the Box CJ offers a raw expression of smoothness, or serves as a customizable canvas for those looking to fine-tune their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding is known for its resonant and clacky sound signature, paired with an equally smooth typing experience, catering particularly to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback without sacrificing performance. While both switches offer a smooth typing feel and cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their unique sound profiles and customization options position them differently within the marketplace. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Caramel Pudding switches, a key distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency also makes it an ideal choice for enhancing RGB lighting effects, allowing light to pass through beautifully. In contrast, the Caramel Pudding uses a nylon top housing that brings a much more muted, deeper sound to the table. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound vibrations, resulting in a rounder, fuller auditory experience. This difference in top housing materials significantly affects the overall sound profile of each switch, with the Box CJ catering to users who prefer a more pronounced audio feedback, while the Caramel Pudding appeals to those who enjoy a richer, warmer sound.
On the other hand, both the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Caramel Pudding switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, which are made of nylon. This similarity contributes a deeper and richer sound experience to both switches, as nylon’s softer composition absorbs vibrations effectively, yielding a duller and rounder sound. This shared material for the bottom housing means that regardless of the switch's top housing configuration, users will experience a consistent full-bodied typing sound when bottoming out. As such, both switches can provide a satisfying tactile experience, with the bottom housing's influence being most prominently felt during key presses.
Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of the top housing materials will dictate the sound profile of each switch, while the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches resonate with a warm and full sound upon actuation. Users seeking a crisp and vibrant feedback may gravitate towards the Box CJ for its clear polycarbonate top, while those who prefer a softer and more subdued typing experience may find the Caramel Pudding more to their liking. Therefore, while the bottom housings contribute to a shared auditory experience, it’s the top housings that will ultimately define the individuality and appeal of each switch, allowing typists to choose according to their personal preferences in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, we find some interesting similarities and distinctions. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of effort to register a keystroke, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Gateron Box CJ has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Caramel Pudding's bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar feel during actuation, the Gateron Box CJ offers a more substantial resistance when bottoming out, appealing to users who prefer a firmer tactile feedback when pressing the key all the way down. Ultimately, the Gateron Box CJ is the heavier switch in terms of bottom out force, while both switches share a lightweight actuation feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, the Gateron Box CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Caramel Pudding features a slightly shorter distance at 3.6 mm. This means that the Box CJ provides a more substantial feel during key presses, appealing to users who prefer a hearty depth and a traditional performance. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Caramel Pudding may offer a quicker response time, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking speed and agility in their keystrokes. Therefore, while both switches can deliver satisfactory results for different preferences, those who prioritize depth and a classic keystroke experience might opt for the Gateron Box CJ, whereas users who favor a faster touch might lean towards the HMX Caramel Pudding.
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 HMX Caramel Pudding has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Pudding for $2.99.
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 delivers a higher-pitched clacking tone that embodies a crisp and bright presentation. This characteristic provides typists with an audible response that's engaging yet not overwhelming, making it versatile for various settings, whether at home or in an office. Additionally, the Box CJ has a somewhat chirpy quality, adding a unique layer to its acoustic profile that distinguishes it from many linear switches. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch boasts a resonant and clacky sound signature, though further specifics of its sound profile—such as its tonal nuances compared to others—remain unclear. Nevertheless, the Caramel Pudding also leans towards a lively sound, suggesting that both options would satisfy those looking for an engaging auditory experience while typing, albeit through slightly different sonic interpreters.
In terms of feel, the Box CJ offers a smooth typing experience that is elevated by its mild characteristics. This means that while the typing sensation is gentle and approachable, it is still refined enough for users to appreciate the smoothness inherent in its design. This unlubed nature allows for a more genuine tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a raw push feel or wish to customize their switches further. Conversely, while the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is also noted for its exquisitely smooth typing feel, the specific descriptors related to its tactile response are not provided. Hence, while both switches focus on delivering smoothness, the precise sensations associated with the Caramel Pudding remain somewhat uncertain.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches cater to enthusiasts seeking engaging auditory and tactile experiences. The Box CJ is known for its higher-pitched clacky sound and smooth, mild typing feel, while the Caramel Pudding switches contribute with a resonant clacky tone along with a smooth typing sensation, though their full tactile qualities are less well-defined. Choosing between them will ultimately hinge on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, but both can provide satisfying results for users prioritizing a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will play a crucial role. If you're seeking a switch that delivers rapid response times with a slightly higher-pitched clack, the Box CJ may be your best bet, especially if you enjoy the idea of customizing the switch's feel and sound through lubrication. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force (57 grams) suits typists who prefer a more tactile connection to their keystrokes while still benefiting from a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you desire a more resonant and clacky sound signature, along with an exquisitely smooth feel—which can enhance the auditory feedback while typing—the HMX Caramel Pudding switch is a fantastic option. With a lighter bottom-out force (52 grams), this switch might be more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions and lend itself to a joyful, engaging experience. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize customization and response speed or smoothness and sound.
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