Gateron Box CJ vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to compare and contrast are the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Fairy. The Gateron Box CJ is known for its swift characteristics, designed for those who prioritize rapid response. Offering higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel, these switches come unlubed, allowing for customization to individual preferences. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switches are ideal for office settings, thanks to their factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth typing experience. With a medium weight that strikes a balance between satisfying press and comfort for extended use, the Fairy switches provide a quieter workspace and are well-suited for daily professional tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Fairy, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. While both switches share this common feature, the differences arise when looking at the top housings. The Box CJ utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Fairy opts for a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more mellow in comparison to the polycarbonate top of the Box CJ.
The choice of housing material greatly influences the sound and feel of a mechanical switch. With the Gateron Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a more clear and resonant sound profile that is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile that creates a more mellow typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, showcasing how the choice of housing material can impact the overall feel and sound of a keyboard. While the Box CJ and Fairy have differing top housings, they both use nylon for their bottom housings, reinforcing the importance of material selection in creating a desired typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Fairy play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Fairy's nylon top housing provides a deeper and more mellow sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel, highlighting the diversity in housing material options within the mechanical keyboard market.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko Fairy linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Box CJ requiring 57 grams and the Fairy requiring 60 grams. The Box CJ offers a slightly lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Fairy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Fairy's travel distance is shorter, making it ideal for those looking for quick and responsive typing or gaming experiences. On the other hand, the Box CJ offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile and deep key press feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences that cater to individual preferences, with the Fairy providing a shorter travel distance for faster response times, and the Box CJ offering a slightly longer travel distance for a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing or gaming style.
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 Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Box CJ and Akko Fairy linear switches, we see a clear difference in their acoustic profiles. The Box CJ is known for its clacky sound, producing sharp and snappy noises when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Fairy switches from Akko offer a muted sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Box CJ. This difference in sound can significantly impact the overall typing environment, with the Fairy switches being more conducive to quieter workspaces.
In terms of feel, the Box CJ is praised for its impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing typists with a comfortable typing experience. The mild qualities of the Box CJ offer a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users. In contrast, the Akko Fairy linear switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Fairy switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, perfect for extended daily use in professional settings.
Considering the attributes of the Gateron Box CJ and Akko Fairy linear switches, it is clear that these switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Box CJ excels in providing a fast and responsive typing experience with higher-pitched clacks, while the Fairy switches focus on offering a smooth and quiet typing experience ideal for office settings. Depending on the user's preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment, they can choose either the Box CJ for a more tactile experience or the Fairy switches for a quieter and polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and customization options to suit the user's specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ linear switch or the Akko Fairy linear switch, you should take into account your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize rapid response and a higher-pitched clacky sound, the Gateron Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth typing experience with factory-applied lubrication and a balanced medium weight, the Akko Fairy switch would be more suitable, especially for office settings or extended use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your personal typing style and the noise level tolerated in your workspace.
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