Gateron Box CJ vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Crystal Violet stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Box CJ is a linear switch known for its swift response and higher-pitched clacks, making it ideal for typists who value speed and smoothness. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet is a tactile switch with a light operating force of 45g, offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a pleasantly mellow sound profile. While the Box CJ is described as 'Clacky' and 'Chirpy', the Crystal Violet is categorized as 'Creamy' and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Crystal Violet, one noticeable difference is in their top housings. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top housing, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting, making it an aesthetically pleasing option. In contrast, the ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet provides a unique typing experience with its low-pitched sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box CJ's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Meanwhile, the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing, although relatively rare, also contributes to a low-pitched sound profile when typing. This difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches showcases the impact of the housing material on the overall sound experience.
In summary, while both switches have differing top and bottom housing materials, they each offer unique sound profiles. For the Box CJ, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a clear, resonant, and full sound profile. In contrast, the Crystal Violet's ABS top and bottom housings provide a distinct low-pitched typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches provide quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences and offer a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Box CJ requires 57 grams, while the Crystal Violet only needs 55 grams, making it slightly lighter in terms of pressing all the way down. The Box CJ offers a medium-light feel overall, while the Crystal Violet leans towards the lighter side. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Box CJ offering a slightly more substantial push feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on either key, you will experience the same amount of travel distance, allowing for a consistent typing experience. Whether you choose the Box CJ or the Crystal Violet, you can expect a similar feel in terms of the key press depth. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same amount of key travel, providing a familiar and comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 linear switch offers a clacky and neutral sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sound when pressed, suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, leaning towards a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Depending on factors like the choice of board and keycaps, both switches can deliver pleasing sound profiles fulfilling different preferences, whether one prefers a brighter clacky sound or a mellow low-pitched tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its gentle characteristics falling within a safe, middle-ground zone. Conversely, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch presents a creamy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Crystal Violet switch also features a stepped tactile sensation, offering a more nuanced typing experience with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel stages. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the mild and approachable feel of the Box CJ or the silky sensation and stepped tactile feedback of the Crystal Violet.
Ultimately, both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While the Box CJ delivers a clacky sound and a smooth push feel, the Crystal Violet provides a mellow sound and a creamy typing experience with stepped tactile feedback. Whether one prioritizes speed and sharpness or relaxation and comfort in their typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall enjoyment of mechanical keyboards. By choosing between the Box CJ and Crystal Violet switches, users can customize their setup to achieve their desired sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value speed, rapid response, and a higher-pitched clack sound, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter operating force, relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, and a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, then the Crystal Violet switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and speed. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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