Gateron Box CJ vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Gold Silver both offer unique qualities worth exploring. The Box CJ is favored for its speedy response and high-pitched clacks, coupled with a smooth push feel that makes typing effortless. On the other hand, the Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness and solid bottom-out, delivering a satisfying closure with each keystroke. While the Box CJ is known for its clacky and mild attributes, the Gold Silver is praised for its polished, thocky sound and smooth, silky feel. Both switches offer a neutral and subtle 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
The Gateron Box CJ and TTC Gold Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that use RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboards with colorful lighting effects. In terms of sound profile, both switches produce similar results thanks to their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Gold Silver differ in their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics, as it is a softer material that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housings, the impact of this material will be felt more in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Gold Silver utilize polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, they vary in their bottom housing material, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound with polycarbonate or a softer, rounder sound with nylon, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and TTC Gold Silver linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, making them both light switches in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ has a heavier force of 57 grams while the Gold Silver force is unknown. This means that the Box CJ switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel compared to the Gold Silver switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Gold Silver switch may be the better option, while those looking for a more solid and consistent feel may prefer the Box CJ switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, we can see that the Box CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Gold Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Box CJ. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Box CJ is more traditional, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Gold Silver offers a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the travel distance - whether you prefer a shorter distance for faster response or a longer distance for a more satisfying press.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 switch is best described as clacky, offering a crisp and sharp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver switch provides a thocky sound, which is deep and satisfying. Depending on your preference, the Box CJ produces higher-pitched clacks while the Gold Silver offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various environments. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also depend on factors such as your keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a safe middle-ground zone that appeals to a wide range of users. On the contrary, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance. Both switches offer a smooth key travel, with the Box CJ boasting an impossibly smooth push feel while the Gold Silver provides a seamless blend of speed and fluidity in every keystroke.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and TTC Gold Silver switches each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box CJ is known for its clacky sound and mild typing experience, the Gold Silver stands out for its thocky sound and polished, silky feel. Both switches prioritize rapid responsiveness, making them suitable for users who seek quick and precise keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prioritize rapid response and a higher-pitched clack sound, along with a smooth push feel, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value precise bottom-out with a resonant sound signature and a smooth key travel experience, the Gold Silver switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what attributes you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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