Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX Cloud - 50g

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Cloud - 50g present two appealing options for linear switch enthusiasts, each with unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is celebrated for its quick response and high-pitched clacks, blending the nuanced smoothness of the CJ family with the characteristics of speed switches, making it ideal for typists in need of fast and precise keystrokes. Its unlubed nature lends it a raw, tactile quality that can be further customized by users seeking to develop a personalized typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a lighter touch, producing a bright clacky sound that enhances the joy of typing without sacrificing a silky smooth feel. This switch appeals to those who prefer a more vibrant auditory experience while typing. Both switches promise a unique typing feel and sound profile, making them strong contenders in the mechanical keyboard landscape. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Box CJ Linear

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches, we find a notable distinction in their top housing materials. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its superior stiffness. This characteristic contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, making the typing experience feel crisper and more resonant. The clarity of the polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting visibility, giving an attractive aesthetic appeal to the switch. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice that yields a softer, fuller sound profile. The nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, contrasting significantly with the more pronounced sound of the Box CJ. Thus, while both switches serve similar functions, the materials used in their top housings create distinctly different sound characteristics.

Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals an interesting parallel, as both the Box CJ and HMX Cloud - 50g utilize nylon. This commonality means that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, influenced by the softer nature of nylon. Since the bottom housing is more impactful in determining tactile feedback and sound on bottom-out, both switches will exhibit a sense of roundness and depth in their sound produced during this phase of typing. This shared material gives them a similarity in tactile experience, promoting a harmonious bottom-out feel, regardless of the differences in the sound profile generated by the top housings.

Together, these contrasting top housing materials and consistent bottom housings create a unique typing experience with distinct auditory profiles for each switch. The Box CJ will appeal to those who prefer a sharp, clear sound, enhanced by its polycarbonate structure, while the HMX Cloud - 50g caters to users who favor a fuller, warmer sound signature courtesy of its nylon top. However, many users may still enjoy similar results due to the shared bottom housing, which assures that the deep sound produced at the bottom-out stage adds a level of uniformity to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two may depend on personal preferences for auditory sharpness versus warmth.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, we observe some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box CJ switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, which classifies it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g has a slightly lighter actuation force at 42 grams, coupled with a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. Consequently, users looking for a lighter experience may prefer the Cloud - 50g switch for its reduced effort, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. On the other hand, the Box CJ's heavier forces provide a more substantial tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences in weight and feedback, the Box CJ is the heavier option, whereas the Cloud - 50g is the lighter choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, the Gateron Box CJ features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 50g has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Gateron Box CJ provides a deeper key press, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback during typing. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g's shorter travel distance could be favored by gamers or users who prefer quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Overall, if you lean towards a more traditional and hearty key feel, the Gateron Box CJ is the superior option, whereas the HMX Cloud - 50g caters to those seeking a more responsive experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch delivers a notably bright and clacky auditory experience. It produces a sharp, snappy sound that is crisp and percussive, making it a pleasing choice for typists who appreciate more energetic feedback while they type. Users may also detect a chirpy quality, adding a unique sonic character that can vary based on the specific keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch has not been specifically detailed about its sound profile; however, it likely contributes to the overall auditory experience with smoother tones that enhance its typing ambiance, especially for users favoring a lighter feel.

Regarding the feel, the Box CJ switch glides effortlessly, offering a silky smooth typing experience that typists will certainly appreciate. Although these switches are unlubed, they still provide a drier, raw expression of smoothness that allows for customization to achieve the desired feel. The descriptor of a "mild" experience suggests that while the Box CJ isn't overly aggressive, it provides enough feedback to be engaging without being harsh. On the other hand, the specifics of the HMX Cloud - 50g's feel are not provided, so we can’t make direct comparisons in this area, but we can anticipate that the generally smooth nature of linear switches aligns with user preferences for comfort and ease.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switches cater to distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Box CJ excels in offering a vibrant sound profile with a smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback and a customizable typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Cloud - 50g switches may provide a lighter and smooth touch, although the specifics remain undefined. Ultimately, users may find that while some characteristics differ, both options are designed to deliver satisfying typing experiences in their own right.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, you should consider your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prefer a switch with a bit more resistance and enjoy a crisp, expressive sound, the Box CJ, with its medium-light feel and a bottom-out force of 57 grams, makes it an ideal choice. It delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, coupled with a notable clacky acoustic profile that adds character to your keystrokes. This switch is particularly well-suited for gamers and typists who thrive on quick, precise inputs and appreciate the customization potential due to its unlubed nature. On the other hand, if you're seeking a lighter touch with an emphasis on comfort during extended typing sessions, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the way to go. With its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers a satisfying and smooth action, making it perfect for those who want to minimize finger fatigue while still enjoying a pleasant, bright sound. In short, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a more tactile feedback and responsiveness with the Box CJ or a softer, easier typing experience with the Cloud - 50g.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Box CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more