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Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron Glory Yellow

An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Box CJ and Gateron Glory Yellow offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, despite both being linear switches. The Box CJ is celebrated for its quick responsiveness and smooth feel, coming alive with higher-pitched clacks that can enhance the auditory satisfaction of typing. With an unlubed design, it allows users the freedom to customize their experience, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy tinkering. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow, known for its heavier feel, provides a different kind of typing experience. It delivers a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback without the noise associated with clackier switches. While both switches offer their own unique advantages—speed and customization from the Box CJ versus the satisfying weight of the Glory Yellow—context matters when making a choice. 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

50g

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

4.00 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

15mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The Gateron Box CJ and Gateron Glory Yellow switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which contribute to their overall sound profiles and user experiences. The most notable difference lies in the top housings, with the Box CJ featuring a polycarbonate top and the Glory Yellow utilizing nylon. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound, largely due to its stiffer properties that enhance resonance and clarity. In contrast, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Therefore, users of the Box CJ can expect a crisper auditory feedback during key presses, while Glory Yellow enthusiasts will experience a rounder sound, showcasing how different materials can notably influence the acoustic qualities of mechanical switches.

The bottom housings of both switches, however, offer a fascinating point of similarity, as both are constructed from nylon. This uniformity means that typing on either switch will deliver a similar sensation in terms of sound. With the nylon bottoms in both switches absorbing sound, the bottom-out experience will be characterized by a pleasant, muted thud, regardless of the top housing material. This shared characteristic provides a sense of consistency in how the switches 'feel' during a deeper keypress, even as the top housings define the initial auditory impact.

Given that the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Box CJ and Gateron Glory Yellow have contrasting materials, the qualities they bring to the switch experience will ultimately define how users perceive sound and tactile feedback. While the Box CJ's polycarbonate top offers a sharper sound upon release, the Glory Yellow's nylon top emphasizes warmth and fullness, creating a rich blend of auditory experiences in their respective uses. However, because both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, they can provide users with a comparable bottoming-out feel, allowing for a balanced and nuanced typing experience regardless of the switch model selected.

Weight

Comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch reveals distinct differences in actuation forces, which may influence user preference based on typing style and comfort. The Box CJ has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it suitable for users who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Glory Yellow requires a higher actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel, although its bottom out force remains unknown. This suggests that while users may experience a similar actuation feel with the Box CJ being lighter overall, the Glory Yellow may provide a more substantial push sensation, potentially appealing to those who prefer heavier switches. Therefore, for users seeking a lighter experience, the Box CJ is the better option, while those who favor a firmer feedback might opt for the Glory Yellow, provided they are comfortable with its unexplored bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that both switches will exhibit a similar feel when pressed down. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect a consistent keystroke experience with either switch, making them interchangeable in terms of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance indicates that both switches will deliver comparable feedback and responsiveness during use, allowing for consistent performance whether you choose one switch over the other.

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 Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.

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 delivers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by higher-pitched clacks that provide a crisp and sharp response during typing. It’s often seen as a clacky and chirpy switch, producing a snappy sound that can be quite engaging and enjoyable for users. The sound profile can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, but the inherent characteristics of the Box CJ lean towards a bright and percussive quality. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch does not have a detailed sound description available, leaving an unknown aspect of its acoustic performance. Generally, the sound of the Glory Yellow could vary based on the same external factors, but specific qualities are not outlined.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ is noted for its impossibly smooth push, allowing for an effortless typing experience. The unlubed nature of the Box CJ can give it a drier sensation, which some typists prefer, as it can feel very raw and responsive. This design invites enthusiasts to potentially customize their switch experience through lubrication that suits their preferences. On the other hand, the Glory Yellow switch is highlighted for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, which contributes to an overall pleasant typing experience. However, the exact tactile feedback of the Glory Yellow switch isn’t explored in available details, leaving a gap in understanding its nuanced feel.

Overall, both the Gateron Box CJ and Gateron Glory Yellow switches provide unique qualities catering to different typing preferences. The Box CJ excels in sound and offers a smooth feel, with its designed rawness appealing to enthusiasts looking to customize. Meanwhile, the Glory Yellow emphasizes a more pleasant typing experience with its smooth keystroke, but lacks a defined sound profile to compare directly. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches may hinge on whether you prefer the clacky auditory response of the Box CJ or the potentially more subdued experience of the Glory Yellow, especially as the subtle differences in feel could lead to distinct typing experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch ultimately revolves around your specific typing preferences and the experience you're after. If you value rapid responsiveness and enjoy a clacky typing experience, then the Gateron Box CJ is likely the right pick for you. This switch’s medium-light actuation force, combined with its smooth push feel, provides a satisfying tactile sensation that is ideal for gamers or those who type quickly. Additionally, the Box CJ's unlubed finish allows you the flexibility to customize the switch further should you desire. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier action with an enjoyable travel distance focused on smoothness and a solid typing experience, the Glory Yellow is going to suit you better. Although its exact bottom-out force remains unknown, it is designed for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke while still prioritizing ease of use. In summary, consider what matters most in your typing experience—whether it's the quick, clacky feedback of the Box CJ or the smooth, heftier feel of the Glory Yellow—to ensure you select the switch that best aligns with your needs.

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