Gateron Box CJ vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options to enhance their typing experience. The Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g are both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ stands out with its unique blend of rapid response and smooth actuation, delivering a higher-pitched clack that typists may appreciate for both its auditory presence and tactile feedback. Its unlubed design allows for a customizable experience, appealing to those who wish to tailor the switch's feel through personal lubrication methods. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 45g excels with its light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a crisp and responsive typing experience that can be particularly satisfying for users seeking a more agile keypress. Both options have their charms, with the Box CJ offering a customizable approach while the Chiikawa promises an airy and rapid feel. 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
51g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, it is noteworthy that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material choice results in a similar sonic experience since polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Given its relative stiffness, polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant output when typing. Both designs also benefit aesthetically from this material's translucence, making them ideal choices for users who appreciate RGB lighting effects. Consequently, if one intends to use these switches in a keyboard featuring backlighting, the visual and auditory performance will be notably effective in both cases.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of these two switches employs nylon, a material that emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of this relatively softer plastic in both the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g ensures that users experience a more muted and rounded sound when typing. Nylon's sound-absorbing qualities complement the sharper sounds produced by the polycarbonate tops, creating a balanced auditory experience across both switches. This dual-material approach allows each switch to deliver its unique auditory characteristics that appeal to different typing preferences.
Overall, while the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g share similar materials for both their top and bottom housings, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a nuanced typing experience. The polycarbonate tops create bright, resonant sounds during key release, while the nylon bottoms contribute to a mellower and fuller sound upon bottoming out. This synergy between the materials enhances user experience, providing both switches with a complementary sound profile that captures the strengths of each material. Therefore, regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect a refined typing experience with a balance of clarity and warmth.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams to the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, we find some noteworthy similarities and differences. Both switches share the same actuation force, making them feel similar when it comes to typing and gaming, allowing for longer sessions without fatigue. However, the Box CJ has a heavier bottom out force at 57 grams compared to the Chiikawa’s 51 grams. This means that while both switches can be triggered with the same light touch, the Box CJ will require a bit more effort to fully press down, thus providing a more substantial feel upon bottoming out. Therefore, those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the Chiikawa due to its overall less demanding feel, while those who enjoy a firmer typing experience might opt for the Gateron Box CJ.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Box CJ offers a more traditional experience with its longer travel distance, which many users might find provides a more satisfying, pronounced keypress. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Chiikawa switch caters to gamers and others seeking quick responsiveness in their keystrokes. For those who prefer deeper engagement when typing, the Gateron Box CJ would likely be the better choice. Overall, users looking for a swift and nimble typing experience may appreciate the Chiikawa's reduced travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial push might prefer the feel of the Box CJ.
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 Chiikawa - 45g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 45g 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch stands out with a bright and clacky auditory profile that produces sharp and snappy sounds upon actuation. This crisp, percussive quality, combined with subtle chirpiness, lends a lively character to the typing experience, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback. While the Chiikawa - 45g switch is also known for its bright sound, it notably lacks detailed descriptors to provide a full comparison. However, it does produce a crisp sound which suggests a similarly engaging acoustic experience, though the absence of explicit descriptions limits a direct sound profile comparison.
In terms of feel, the Box CJ offers a mild typing experience characterized by a gentle push that appeals to a wide variety of users. This balanced feel allows for a comfortable typing session that is approachable for both beginners and veterans alike. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Chiikawa - 45g switch are missing, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Its light actuation force suggests a potentially quick and responsive feel, but without more information, any conclusion about its tactile experience remains speculative.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch provides a well-rounded performance, excelling in sound with its clacky and chirpy characteristics, while boasting a mild and smooth typing feel. The Chiikawa - 45g switch, while similarly bright in sound, lacks comprehensive details regarding its auditory and tactile qualities, leaving some uncertainty. As a newcomer, if you prefer a switch that offers a lively sound profile and a reliable feel, the Box CJ could be a solid choice. While the Chiikawa - 45g may also achieve enjoyable results, further exploration is warranted to fully appreciate its unique attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch largely depends on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you’re someone who enjoys a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 57 grams and is looking for a smooth and fast response, the Box CJ is an excellent option for you. Its clacky and chirpy sound profile makes it perfect for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, making it a joy for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with somewhat less actuation force at 51 grams, the Chiikawa - 45g might be more your speed. Its bright sound and very light actuation can enhance response times, making it particularly appealing for rapid typists or gamers seeking quick keystrokes. Therefore, the choice hinges on whether you value a heavier, chattier switch that provides a bit more tactile feedback or a lighter, sharper version that prioritizes quickness and responsiveness. Weigh these factors carefully to find the switch that aligns with your typing style and overall experience.
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