Gateron Box CJ vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Box CJ and the Aflion Foggy Shadow offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the swift characteristics of speed switches with the smooth push feel of the CJ lineage, resulting in higher-pitched clacks and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch with a very light tactile bump and a medium weight bottom-out force, offering a balanced performance for typists. While the Box CJ provides a clacky and chirpy typing experience, the Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Aflion Foggy Shadow, we see that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for beautiful lighting effects. Both switches also utilize a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience by creating a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out.
While the top housing materials of the Box CJ and the Foggy Shadow are the same, their bottom housing materials differ. This allows for a split in the qualities each housing material brings to the switch. The Box CJ's nylon bottom housing creates a different impact on the bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing. However, the use of nylon in both switches ensures that users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to the sharp and clear sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Aflion Foggy Shadow comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. Both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear top housing or a deeper, fuller sound profile with a softer bottom housing, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience. The top and bottom housings of each switch work together to create a well-rounded sound profile that will satisfy a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Foggy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Box CJ has a bottom out force of 57 grams. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. The lighter actuation force of the Box CJ may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow offers a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Box CJ has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The difference may not seem significant, but for users who are sensitive to keystroke depth, it could make a noticeable impact. Those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Gateron Box CJ, while individuals seeking a quicker response time may opt for the Aflion Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the slight variation in travel distance could play a role in determining which switch is best suited for individual preferences.
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 Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
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 known for its clacky and neutral profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound that can be suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound, creating a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Depending on the user's preference and setup, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can cater to different typing preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a comfortable middle-ground zone. With its smooth push feel and effortless glide, typists will find this switch approachable and user-friendly. On the other hand, limited information is available on the tactile feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch, but with its light tactile bump and medium weight, it can be assumed to provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience that strikes a balance between feedback and actuation force.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Box CJ provides a clacky sound and mild feel, the Foggy Shadow presents a low-pitched sound and tactile bump. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Box CJ focusing on speed and smoothness, while the Foggy Shadow emphasizes a light tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a swift response with a higher-pitched clack and smooth push feel, the Box CJ with its medium-light 57g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy 63.5g bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow could offer a balanced performance and satisfying typing experience. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky, neutral switch that delivers sharp and snappy sound or prefer low-pitched switches with a mellow tone, these descriptions can further guide your decision-making process. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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