Gateron Box CJ vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often compare features like feel and sound, and two compelling options are the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Elf switches, both of which are classified as linear switches. The Gateron Box CJ is renowned for its swift responsiveness and a distinct high-pitched clack that caters to typists looking for that satisfying auditory feedback. Its unlubed design creates a raw, smooth push feel while allowing users the freedom to customize lubrication to their liking. In contrast, the Huano Elf features a unique POK top housing that enhances acoustics and delivers a rich, deeper sound signature, paired with a medium-light actuation force for a delightful typing experience. While the Box CJ appeals to those seeking rapid tactile feedback, the Elf lures users in with its thoughtfully engineered acoustics and satisfying resistance. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Elf switches, notable differences emerge in their top housings. The Box CJ utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency allows for enhanced aesthetic effects, especially if the switch is backlit with RGB lighting. The clear nature of the polycarbonate amplifies the visual impact of the lighting, making the Box CJ an attractive option for users looking to combine functionality with style. In contrast, the Huano Elf's top housing is constructed from POK, or polyketone, which is known for its exceptional smoothness and strong durability. Although both are designed to deliver high-quality sound and feel, the POK material produces a different acoustical quality—smooth and clacky—suggesting a departure from the clarity offered by polycarbonate.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a point of similarity; both the Box CJ and the Huano Elf feature nylon as their bottom housing material. As a classic choice for switch construction, nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound effectively, which leads to a fuller and deeper auditory experience when typing. The deeper sound profile created by nylon adds a comforting depth and resonance to each keystroke, a consistent characteristic across both switch types. Since they share this bottom housing material, users will experience this similar deeper sound when bottoming out the switches, contributing to an enriched typing experience regardless of the switch brand.
Ultimately, when pressing a key on either the Gateron Box CJ or the Huano Elf, the interaction of the varying top and bottom housing materials creates a unique sound and feel for each switch. The sharper, more resonant nature of the Box CJ's polycarbonate top balances against the duller, deeper tones from its nylon bottom, culminating in a distinct auditory and tactile experience. In comparison, the Huano Elf's smooth and robust POK top housing complements the familiar nylon bottom, resulting in a smooth feel with a distinct clacky sound. While both switches share a common bottom housing material shaping their sound profile, the contrasting top housing contents lead to different overall experiences, allowing users to choose their preference based on their desired typing sensation and acoustic feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, we find interesting differences. 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 feel. In contrast, the Huano Elf has a lower actuation force of 42 grams, making it slightly lighter. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unspecified, leaving its full performance profile incomplete. Typically, a lighter actuation force like the Elf's may appeal to users seeking a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended use. Meanwhile, the Box CJ provides a bit more resistance, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile feedback and a solid push feel. Overall, while the Huano Elf is the lighter switch, the absence of a bottom out measurement means that its full characteristics cannot be fully assessed against the Box CJ.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the Gateron Box CJ features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option. In contrast, the Huano Elf has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the preferences among users: those who favor the more traditional approach may opt for the Gateron Box CJ for its deeper keypress, which allows for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, gamers and those who prefer quicker responsiveness might lean towards the Huano Elf due to its shorter travel distance, providing a more rapid actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and response time.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf 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 higher-pitched clacks, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a crisper and more pronounced auditory feedback. With descriptive qualities that can be labeled as clacky, neutral, and chirpy, the Box CJ provides a dynamic sound range that contributes to an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf linear switch, while likely also having its unique sound signature thanks to its POK top housing, is noted to produce a deeper sound profile, providing a solid tone that some users may find more satisfying, albeit less vibrant than the Box CJ. Ultimately, the acoustics you experience will depend on the combination of your keyboard’s construction, the type of keycaps used, and personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Box CJ stands out for its impossibly smooth push feel; it glides effortlessly with a mild typing experience that can be comfortable for a variety of users. This mild nature means that it does not boast overly aggressive characteristics, allowing it to be approachable for many typists. On the other hand, the Huano Elf has not been explicitly detailed in terms of tactile feedback, leaving a gap in direct comparisons regarding the overall feel during use. However, its medium-light actuation is likely to contribute to a pleasant typing experience as well, catering to users who prefer a lighter touch.
Considering both sound and feel, if you’re inclined towards a more vibrant and engaging auditory experience, the Gateron Box CJ may suit your needs better, while the Huano Elf offers a deeper acoustic profile worth exploring. The smooth operating nature of the Box CJ supported by its customizable lubricated finish is appealing for enthusiasts, while the Elf's unique acoustic construction may resonate with users seeking a mellow yet satisfying experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on which characteristics you prioritize more—dynamic sound or a pleasing typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Elf linear switches, your personal preferences and intended usage will be key factors. If you're someone who enjoys a responsive typing experience and appreciates a higher-pitched clack, the Box CJ might be your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 57 grams offers a balanced feedback that can be great for rapid typing or gaming, particularly if you enjoy customizing your keys' feel by applying lubrication to enhance their smoothness further. The unlubed nature of the Box CJ allows for this versatility and can be tailored to your liking, making it a fantastic option for enthusiasts who want to tweak their setup. Conversely, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and a more satisfying overall typing experience, the Huano Elf is worth considering. Although the Elf doesn't have an officially listed bottom-out force, its construction focuses on acoustics, providing a more profound auditory experience that many users find engaging. The POK top housing contributes to its unique sound profile, making it an excellent choice if sound quality is high on your list. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—choose the Box CJ for a swift, customizable experience and the Elf for a rich sound and satisfying tactility.
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