Gateron Box CJ vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Box CJ and HC Studio Crabapple are two popular options to consider. The Box CJ is revered for its swift characteristics, offering typists a rapid response with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Crabapple switches are crafted entirely from POM, providing an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', the Crabapple falls into the categories of 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and the HC Studio Crabapple both offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials. The Box CJ utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. On the other hand, the Crabapple uses POM for its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in typing sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box CJ features a nylon housing while the Crabapple employs POM. Nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more noise to create a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, POM in the Crabapple's bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While different in material, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, emphasizing the importance of bottom housing material in overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the HC Studio Crabapple significantly impact the sound profiles of each switch. While the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp and resonant sound, the Crabapple's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted tone. The nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ and the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple both contribute to a fuller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more subdued tone, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is clear that the Crabapple is the lighter option overall. The Box CJ has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Crabapple has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Crabapple may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Box CJ may suit those who desire a more substantial push feel when typing. Ultimately, selecting the appropriate switch will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is 4 mm, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Box CJ has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more tactile feel when typing or gaming compared to the Crabapple. However, the Crabapple's shorter travel distance may offer a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for swift movements in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference: if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Crabapple may be the better option, but if you prefer a more substantial depth when pressing keys, the Box CJ may be the way to go. Both switches offer different experiences, so it's important to consider what feels most comfortable for you.
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 HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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 switch offers a clacky and higher-pitched typing experience, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each press that is bright and percussive. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple switch is characterized by a more subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound that is more subtle and gentle. Depending on personal preference, typists may favor the energetic clacks of the Box CJ or the understated sound of the Crabapple.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch boasts a smooth and effortless push feel that allows for swift and rapid typing. The switch's unlubed design offers a raw expression of smoothness, providing typists with a clean slate to customize the lubrication to their liking. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple switch offers a frictionless typing journey due to its POM construction and factory lubrication. Typists will experience a dry smoothness with a subtle texture felt during each keystroke, offering a unique tactile sensation.
Overall, both the Gateron Box CJ and HC Studio Crabapple switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ excels in delivering a clacky and swift typing experience with a higher-pitched sound, while the Crabapple offers a subdued sound signature and frictionless typing journey with a subtle texture. Typists can expect smooth and effortless typing with both switches, albeit with variations in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a switch that provides swift response with higher-pitched clacks and a smooth push feel, then the Box CJ would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch crafted from POM that offers a frictionless typing experience with a mild and understated sound signature, then the Crabapple would be more fitting for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more rapid typing experience with distinctive clacks or a smoother, quieter typing experience with a light touch.
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