Gateron Box CJ vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Flaming Purple, both linear switches. The Gateron Box CJ is ideal for those who value rapid response and a higher-pitched clack sound, coupled with an incredibly smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple offers a resonant character with a slightly bassier sound profile, making each keystroke engaging and enjoyable. While the Box CJ is described as 'clacky' and 'mild', the Flaming Purple is known for being 'feathery' and 'easy-to-press'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and TTC Flaming Purple switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, they may offer slightly different sound profiles based on other factors such as stem design or additional components.
On the other hand, the Box CJ and Flaming Purple switches have nylon bottom housings, which produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in housing material between the top and bottom of the switches allows for a unique typing experience, as the qualities of each material are split between the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Despite having different bottom housings, both switches still offer a satisfying typing experience due to the characteristics of nylon.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Flaming Purple switches share similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top housings, they differ in the use of nylon for their bottom housings. This results in slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences, with polycarbonate providing a sharper sound and nylon offering a deeper, fuller sound. Both switches excel in their own right, providing users with a variety of options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Box CJ has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 42 grams, making it require a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Box CJ at 57 grams is also slightly heavier than the Flaming Purple's 47 grams. This means that the Box CJ provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier keypress feel. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Box CJ being on the heavier side and the Flaming Purple on the lighter side in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Box CJ has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple. The Box CJ's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, with a bit more depth to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, but the Box CJ offers a tad more travel distance for those seeking a more substantial key press experience.
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 Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 provides a clacky and sharp sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving typists an auditory feedback that is both satisfying and distinctive. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a more resonant and bassier sound profile, adding a touch of richness and depth to each keystroke. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Box CJ leaning towards a snappier sound while the Flaming Purple offers a more immersive and melodic experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, providing a smooth push feel that is easy to approach for most users. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Flaming Purple switch is silky in feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that enhances overall comfort and typing efficiency. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile experience, with the Box CJ focusing on a mild and approachable feel while the Flaming Purple prioritizes a light and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Box CJ provides a clacky sound and mild feel, appealing to those who prefer a sharper tactile response, while the Flaming Purple offers a resonant sound and feathery feel, ideal for users seeking a smoother and lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches promise a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve satisfactory results regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider the key attributes of each. If you prioritize a swift response and smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force, a resonant sound profile with a touch of bassiness, and effortless typing, the Flaming Purple switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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