Gateron Box CJ vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Gold Brown Pro. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch known for its swift characteristics and high-pitched clacks, providing a smooth and rapid typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that offers subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. While the Box CJ is great for those who seek speed and a clacky typing sound, the Gold Brown Pro caters to users who value a more polished and subdued typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Gold Brown Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making them an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their typing experience with a more distinct sound profile. Additionally, both switches offer translucency in their polycarbonate top housings, making them a great option for users who plan to use RGB lighting with their keyboards.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Gateron Box CJ utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro's similar nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches may result in a slightly varied typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the Gateron Box CJ likely offering a deeper sound compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Gold Brown Pro both offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials. While they share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings in creating a distinct sound profile, the difference in their nylon bottom housings may lead to slightly different typing experiences. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches provide options for users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Gateron Box CJ has a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro has an unknown bottom out force. The Gateron Box CJ is lighter in terms of bottom out force, providing a medium-light typing experience, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force remains a mystery. Those who prefer a lighter feel might lean towards the Gateron Box CJ for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a heavier push may opt for the TTC Gold Brown Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation force being the same for both switches means that users can expect a similar initial keypress sensation, with the variance coming in the bottom out force for a more unique typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, we see that the Gateron Box CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Gold Brown Pro the shorter option, offering a more rapid response time favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ provides a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro leaning towards the shallower end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and response time.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 linear switch is best described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky sound profile, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Box CJ presents a high-pitched clack, while the Gold Brown Pro remains at a more neutral, low-pitched level, ensuring a quiet and subtle typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing typists with an impossibly smooth typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a polished and silky typing experience, characterized by reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a mild typing experience, with the Box CJ standing in a safe middle-ground zone, and the Gold Brown Pro maintaining a gentle resistance for a light and subtle typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is best suited for those who seek rapid response and a clacky sound profile, paired with a smooth typing experience suitable for customization. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is perfect for those who value a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, with a thocky sound profile that remains quiet and understated. While both switches offer a mild typing experience, the Box CJ excels in swift characteristics, while the Gold Brown Pro emphasizes a refined and polished typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and a smooth push feel, then the Box CJ is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer subtle tactile feedback, a subdued sound profile, and a gentle typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro is the better choice. Consider your typing style and environment to determine which switch will best suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what matters most to you in a keyboard switch.
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