Gateron Box CJ vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Flame Red mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their distinct characteristics. The Gateron Box CJ is favored for its swift response and higher-pitched clacks, appealing to typists who value speed and smoothness. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red stands out for its visually striking light diffuser, making it a top choice for those with backlit RGB keyboards. Typing on the Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. While both switches offer unique features and benefits, such as 'clacky', 'mild', 'neutral', 'chirpy' for the Box CJ and 'neutral', 'mild', 'polished' for the Flame Red, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
54g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Flame Red switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch due to its stiffer nature. This makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal. On the other hand, the Flame Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition, resulting in a rounder sound. Both materials offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Box CJ and Flame Red switches utilize nylon, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite having different top housing materials, the switches share the same nylon bottom housing characteristics, providing a consistent sound profile regardless of the switch variant. This alignment in bottom housing material ensures a similar typing experience across different versions of the switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Flame Red switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Flame Red provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housing for a consistent and enhanced sound profile, with the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the softer plastic material. Whether you prefer the clarity of polycarbonate or the richness of nylon, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Flame Red's 54 grams, making the Box CJ slightly heavier in feel. Both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of weight, which is beneficial for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel may find the Box CJ to be more substantial in typing experience due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with differences in weight that cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Flame Red linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Gateron Box CJ or the TTC Flame Red linear switch, you can expect similar results in the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 offers a clacky experience with sharp and snappy sounds that are described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound profile is contrasted with the neutral sound profile of the TTC Flame Red linear switch, which has a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various uses. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also affected by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch provides a smooth and effortless push feel that is impossibly smooth, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red linear switch also offers a mild typing experience, but additionally features a polished finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel adds a level of refinement to the typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ is known for its higher-pitched clacks and smooth push feel, while the Flame Red stands out for its weighty smoothness and backlit RGB compatibility. While the sound profiles may differ, both switches provide a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a rapid response and smooth push feel with higher-pitched clacks, then the Box CJ may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a weighty smoothness, a dazzling light diffuser for backlighting, and a clacky sound profile, the Flame Red could be the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Box CJ or the Flame Red, you can expect a quality linear switch experience tailored to your specific typing style and preferences.
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