Gateron Box CJ vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Gold Brown offer distinct characteristics to cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is renowned for its rapid response and high-pitched clacks, providing typists with a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown is celebrated for its balanced nature, featuring a satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', the Gold Brown falls under 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Accented', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers unique qualities that appeal to different users based on their typing style and preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and TTC Gold Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the Box CJ and Gold Brown differ in their bottom housings - the Box CJ features a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Brown also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Gold Brown results in unique typing experiences. Pressing down on the switch will allow you to feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound when you release a key. While both switches offer similar characteristics in terms of their polycarbonate top housings, the differing nylon bottom housings provide a variation in sound profiles and typing experiences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Gold Brown share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharp and crisp sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. However, their nylon bottom housing materials offer distinct typing experiences - the Box CJ's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing produces a rounder and duller sound. The choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ still remains lighter at 57 grams, while the Gold Brown requires a heavier 63 grams to bottom out. In terms of weight, the Box CJ would be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Gold Brown provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches provide a medium actuation force, with the Gateron Box CJ being on the lighter side and the TTC Gold Brown being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preference for typing experience and desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of comparing and contrasting the two, they both offer the same tactile feedback and actuation force, making them equally suitable for typing or gaming purposes. Their similar travel distances make them consistent in performance and feel, providing a reliable typing experience for users who prefer a 4mm travel distance. Ultimately, whether using the Gateron Box CJ or the TTC Gold Brown switch, users can expect the same level of keypress feedback and overall typing 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 Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ offers a clacky experience, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. This characteristic is in contrast to the Gold Brown, which is known for its neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. The Gateron Box CJ delivers a more distinct and percussive sound, while the Gold Brown provides a softer and more rounded sound profile that is not completely silent. Both switches offer unique acoustic signatures that may appeal to different preferences, with the Box CJ leaning towards a more pronounced and dynamic sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ provides a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering typists an impossibly smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown is described as having a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Gold Brown switches are known for their buttery keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Box CJ and Gold Brown switches both fall into the mild category in terms of typing experience, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant feel for users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ provides a unique clacky sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, while the Gold Brown offers a balanced sound profile and a mild, buttery feel. Whether you prefer a more dynamic sound with smooth key presses or a softer sound with a gentle keystroke, both switches cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and TTC Gold Brown tactile switch will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured, both switches provide quality typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you are looking for a rapid response with a smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks, the Box CJ may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a slight bump, moderate weightiness, and a softer sound profile, then the Gold Brown could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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