Gateron Box CJ vs. Akko Dracula
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Dracula switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, particularly when considering the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Dracula, both linear switches that cater to different user experiences. The Gateron Box CJ is renowned for its swift characteristics and the high-pitched clacks it produces, providing a lively typing experience. Users will appreciate its impossibly smooth push feel, which, although unlubed, can be a fulfilling canvas for customization. In contrast, the Akko Dracula boasts a unique design that incorporates POK material in its construction, leading to ultra-smooth typing and enhanced durability. The extra stem hole not only improves airflow but also further enhances the switch’s smoothness. While the Box CJ leans toward a clackier tone, the Dracula offers a subtler, yet equally satisfying, experience. Both switches are excellent options, depending on whether you prioritize immediate responsiveness or durability and smoothness. 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
35g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ to the Akko Dracula, it is evident that the top housing materials used in each switch are quite distinct. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and translucency, traits that enhance the clarity and resonance of the sound profile. This results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound when typing, making it ideal for users looking for a more tactile and pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the Akko Dracula utilizes POK material for its top housing, which, while also providing a high-quality experience, prioritizes smoothness and durability with its relatively high friction coefficient and exceptional wear resistance. The differences in housing materials lend themselves to varied sound and feel profiles: the Box CJ stands out with a crisper sound, whereas the Dracula is designed to deliver a smoother, clackier experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Dracula are made from nylon, which is a classic choice in the keyboard switch industry. Nylon’s inherent properties contribute to a deeper, fuller sound, offering a more muted auditory experience compared to their top counterparts. Because nylon is softer than materials like polycarbonate or POK, it serves to absorb sound waves effectively, leading to a rounded bottom-out sound. The similarities in their bottom housing materials suggest that when typing on either switch, users will experience consistent depth and fullness; thus, while their top housings differ in terms of sound clarity and smoothness, the bottom housings ensure that both switches share a familiar auditory foundation.
Ultimately, the sound profile and tactile response of each switch will be influenced by the combination of both top and bottom housing materials. The Gateron Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing contributes a sharp, crisp sound when releasing the key, complemented by the nylon bottom housing’s deeper tones during actuation. Meanwhile, the Akko Dracula brings a smooth and clacky response with the POK top housing and the same nylon bottom, which marries depth with tactile feedback. This amalgamation of materials ensures that while the switches cater to diverse preferences—some valuing clarity and crispness, others favoring smoothness and richness—they remain within a spectrum that is familiar to typists who appreciate the characteristics of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, notable differences arise. The Box CJ features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in terms of pressure required. In contrast, the Akko Dracula has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming. Consequently, users who favor a lighter switch for prolonged sessions would gravitate towards the Akko Dracula, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Box CJ. Overall, the Box CJ is the heavier switch of the two, providing a steeper resistance, which some users may find more satisfying for their typing needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko Dracula linear switch, the Gateron Box CJ features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Dracula offers a shorter distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Box CJ provides a slightly deeper feel, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Dracula may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker responsiveness, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more substantial depth in your keystrokes, the Gateron Box CJ is the better choice, but for those who favor a quicker response time, the Akko Dracula with its shorter travel distance might be more suitable.
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 Akko Dracula has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dracula 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 is characterized by its distinctively clacky acoustic profile, producing sharp, bright, and percussive sounds with each keystroke. This results in a more engaging typing experience, particularly for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the switch may exhibit a neutral quality, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office. Its chirpiness adds a unique flair that can set it apart from other switches. The Akko Dracula switch, although lacking specific acoustic descriptors, is designed with materials intended to enhance durability and smoothness, which may lead to a quieter and more subdued sound profile compared to the Box CJ, but exact details are currently unknown.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ provides an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly under the fingers. Its unlubed nature can evoke a raw, visceral sense of typing that some enthusiasts prefer for its authenticity, while also serving as a customizable platform for those looking to modify their switches. The Dracula switch introduces POK material for the top case and stem, which is aimed at maximizing smoothness, yet specifics regarding its tactile feedback or actuation force remain unspecified.
Overall, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Dracula switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Box CJ excels with its engaging sound profile and smooth tactile feedback, while the Dracula focuses on the durability and ultra-smooth operation facilitated by its innovative materials. While some characteristics differ, such as sound and certain tactile qualities, both switches provide a commendable foundation for a satisfying typing experience, making them great options for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard space.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Dracula linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use case. If you appreciate a medium-light key press with a tactile response that caters to rapid typing, the Box CJ would be a great choice, especially if you enjoy the sound of a clacky and crisp keystroke. Its smooth push feel and potential for customization through lubrication make it ideal for both typists who value speed and those who want a keyboard that offers a raw, authentic experience. However, if you prefer a lighter actuation force for less finger fatigue and an ultra-smooth typing experience, the Akko Dracula switch could be your go-to. Its unique POK material enhances durability while providing a quieter typing experience, making it well-suited for environments where noise may be a concern. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits, ergonomic needs, and sound preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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