Gateron Box CJ vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Grape Orange presents a fascinating exploration of tactile experiences and performance characteristics. The Box CJ is celebrated for its rapid response and crisp, high-pitched clacking sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and fast typists who appreciate a smooth keypress that glides effortlessly. Additionally, the unlubed design allows enthusiasts to customize the switch's feel to their liking, providing a unique opportunity for personalization. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange features an ultra-light actuation force of just 40g, resulting in an exceptionally effortless typing experience that's perfect for those who engage in long writing sessions without the fatigue that heavier switches might cause. While the Box CJ focuses on delivering a clacky and sharp auditory feedback, the Grape Orange leans towards a quieter yet equally satisfying experience, catering to different preferences in 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

Gateron Box CJ Linear

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Box CJ and Huano Grape Orange switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, leading to a crisper and more resonant auditory experience. Its translucency allows for effective RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches. This shared top housing material indicates that the auditory characteristics when typing will be notably comparable between the two switches, ensuring that users can expect a bright sound profile with both options.

In contrast, the two switches employ different materials for their bottom housings. Both switches feature nylon, a classic and soft plastic known for its sound absorption qualities. This material choice results in a fuller and deeper sound profile that rounds out the auditory experience, mitigating the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate tops. Thus, while both switches maintain a similar tonal quality due to their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottom housings in each contribute to a rich and balanced sound overall. By combining these two distinct materials, each switch delivers a unique sound experience that balances clarity with depth.

When engaging with either switch, the experience will ultimately rely on the synergy between the high-pitched clarity of the polycarbonate top and the deeper, more resonant characteristics of the nylon bottom. The Box CJ’s crisp release combined with the Grape Orange’s smooth bottom-out reflects the impact of their respective housing materials. Therefore, while the top housings share similarities leading to comparable auditory results, the different contributing qualities of their bottom housings help to create distinct typing experiences that cater to varying user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch to the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their respective characteristics. The Box CJ requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Grape Orange features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This distinction means that users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for prolonged use might lean towards the Grape Orange, while those seeking a more tactile feel might choose the Box CJ. Despite the Box CJ being heavier in both actuation and bottom-out forces, the Grape Orange provides a softer push feel, reinforcing the notion that personal preference plays a significant role in switch selection.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, the Box CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Grape Orange measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Box CJ the longer switch, offering a more traditional feel and a greater depth when pressed. In contrast, the Grape Orange, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to those seeking quicker response times, often favored by gamers. Ultimately, if you prefer a more pronounced travel with a deeper feel, the Box CJ is the better choice, while the Grape Orange might appeal to users looking for a snappier action.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized by its clacky and chirpy nature, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound profile. Its acoustics create an engaging typing experience that can be quite satisfying, particularly for typists who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switches have no specific sound profile detailed, which suggests a potentially more muted or neutral acoustic presence. However, it’s worth noting that the ultimate sound experience can vary significantly based on the typing surface, keycap material, and keyboard construction.

In terms of feel, the Box CJ offers a mild experience that is accessible to a wide range of users, providing a smooth and gentle typing sensation. Its design is aimed at balancing comfort and feedback, which may appeal to both beginners and seasoned typists. While there is no specific description of the feel for the Grape Orange switches, given their ultra-low actuation force of 40g, it can be presumed that they would offer an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, making them suitable for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. The lack of detailed tactile feedback descriptions means that enthusiasts might need to test them personally to assess their typing feel.

Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and Huano Grape Orange switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, with the Box CJ making a stronger impact in both domains due to its defined auditory characteristics and mild tactile response. The Grape Orange excels in its light touch, likely appealing to those who prioritize speed and endurance. When choosing between these two, it ultimately comes down to personal preference, as each switch will provide a distinct and enjoyable typing experience that can enhance one’s mechanical keyboard journey.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you're someone who enjoys a responsive typing experience with a bit of auditory feedback, the Box CJ might be your go-to, thanks to its medium-light actuation force of 57 grams and its clacky, smooth feel. This switch is perfect for gamers or fast typists who appreciate a snappy response and want the option to customize lubrication for an even more tailored experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and ease during long typing sessions, the Grape Orange switch's ultra-light actuation force of 50 grams will allow you to type with less effort, reducing fatigue while still providing a pleasing typing experience. While the Grape Orange may not offer the same level of auditory feedback as the Box CJ, it excels in providing a smooth and effortless feel, making it a great choice for casual typists or those who prefer quieter environments. Ultimately, assess your typing habits and environment to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Box CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more