Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both offer unique benefits for different types of typists. The Gateron Box CJ is ideal for those seeking rapid response and a higher-pitched clack sound, with an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and bouncy 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
56g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, one noticeable difference is in their top housing material. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is achieved through the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the Box CJ and the Cloud - 63.5g share the use of nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a similar experience in terms of sound profile, with a deeper and fuller sound when typing on switches that use nylon. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound profile overall. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g provides a deeper and fuller sound, suited for those who enjoy a softer and more rounded sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to their unique sound characteristics, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, it is evident that there are some differences in weight. The Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cloud's 56 grams, making the Box CJ the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams, while the Cloud - 63.5g needs 63.5 grams, making the Cloud - 63.5g the heavier option in this aspect. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium range when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. So, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Box CJ would be the better choice, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g for its heavier force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, the Box CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. While both switches offer a relatively short distance compared to traditional switches, the Box CJ provides a slightly longer travel distance. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Box CJ. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their close travel distances, but the slight variation may cater to different preferences in typing or gaming styles.
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 Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ switch is known for its clacky and higher-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch also boasts a clacky sound profile but is described as high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches cater to enthusiasts who enjoy a distinct sound while typing, with the choice ultimately depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch is lauded for its impossibly smooth push feel, providing typists with a glide-like typing experience. The switch falls under the category of mild, offering a gentle typing sensation suitable for most users. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Typists who prefer a livelier keypress with a silky sensation may lean towards the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Box CJ provides a higher-pitched clacky sound and a smooth push feel, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky, high-pitched sound and a bouncy, creamy typing experience. Choosing between the two switches will ultimately come down to whether one prefers a brighter typing experience with a glide-like feel or a sharper sound with a springy, smooth sensation. However, it is important to note that individual preferences and the overall keyboard setup will also play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize rapid response and a smooth push feel with higher-pitched clacks, the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a heavier typing experience with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy your enhanced typing experience.
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