Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often debate the merits of different options, each catering to unique preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Box CJ and HMX Gravel are both linear switches, yet they offer distinct experiences that can influence your overall typing satisfaction. The Box CJ is celebrated for its "clacky" and "chirpy" sound profile, delivering an engaging auditory experience along with an incredibly smooth push feel that ensures rapid response times—ideal for gamers and typists who thrive on speed. In contrast, the HMX Gravel focuses on providing a more subdued, medium-light actuation force, resulting in an effortlessly responsive and refined typing experience that prioritizes comfort over auditory feedback. While both switches cater to a love for smooth linear action, the Box CJ offers a dynamic auditory experience and a customizable base, whereas the Gravel emphasizes an easy-going tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Gravel switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, particularly in the top housing, both composed of polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a distinctly sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile for each switch, enhancing the auditory experience during use. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant output, providing a uniformity in sound characteristics that both switches will exhibit. Additionally, the clear translucence of polycarbonate makes it an excellent option for users who want to showcase RGB lighting, as both switches will diffusely reflect and enhance the color effects produced by backlighting.
In contrast to their top housings, the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Gravel switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, differing from each other only in the brand label. Nylon's softer properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a more subdued and rounded audio feedback when typing with each switch. Consequently, despite the shared characteristics in clarity and resonance from the top housing, the nuances delivered by the nylon bottom housing will create a distinct contrast, resulting in a harmonious blend of high-pitched and deeper tones during operation.
Understanding the impact of these dual materials offers insight into how the sound profiles of Box CJ and HMX Gravel will converge and diverge. As the top polycarbonate housing influences the sound quality during key releases, it will enhance the sharper tones, while the nylon bottom housing will mellow the bottom-out sounds, creating a balanced acoustic experience. Therefore, while both switches exhibit similarities in the auditory clarity provided by their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms will evoke differing sensations in sound depth and texture, leading to a unique typing experience with each switch despite their commonalities.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, it's clear that they share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users can expect a similar trigger feel for both switches. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Box CJ at 57 grams, which makes it feel heavier when fully pressed down, compared to the Gravel's lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that while both switches have the same ease of activation, the Box CJ will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the HMX Gravel, while those who appreciate a stronger push through to the bottom may find the Gateron Box CJ more appealing. Overall, the Box CJ can be seen as the heavier option, while the Gravel is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch to the HMX Gravel linear switch, there is a notable difference in travel distances. The Box CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional specification and provides a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Gravel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to users who prefer faster key presses and quicker response times, often favored by gamers. This shorter travel can feel more abrupt, which might not appeal to everyone. If you gravitate towards a more responsive feel in your switches, the Gravel's shorter distance might be ideal for you. However, if you appreciate the sensation of deeper travel, the Box CJ would likely be the better choice. Therefore, the Gateron Box CJ features the longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Gravel has the shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm.
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 HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 exhibits a unique auditory profile. Its sharp, clacky character delivers a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, making it suitable for both typists in a quiet office or enthusiastic gamers looking for auditory feedback. This means you can expect not just the excitement of each keypress but also the additional texture brought by a slight chirpiness, often accentuated depending on the keycap and keyboard design you choose. In contrast, while the sound characteristics of the HMX Gravel switch remain unspecified, it is worth noting that sound profiles can significantly vary based on the same external factors—like keyboard construction and keycap materials—that affect all mechanical switches.
In terms of feel, the Box CJ provides a remarkably smooth and fluid typing experience, characterized by a “raw” smoothness due to its unlubed design, which can appeal to enthusiasts seeking customization. With a mild typing experience, it allows for an approachable feel, straddling a comfortable line that won't overwhelm a beginner while still satisfying more advanced typists. The HMX Gravel switch, meanwhile, is noted for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force, contributing to a responsive feel that is effortless to press. Although specific descriptors for the Gravel’s tactile feedback are not available, it generally supports an enjoyable and refined typing experience, aligning it with the high expectations of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In summary, while both the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Gravel linear switches deliver smooth typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Box CJ offers a range of auditory sensations, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging, while the Gravel enhances the experience with a lighter actuation force tailored for comfort and ease. Both switches stand as robust options in the mechanical keyboard landscape, promising satisfying experiences for those who choose to explore them.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch should be guided by your typing style and preferences. If you favor a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy the crisp, snappy sounds of a clacky switch, the Box CJ could be perfect for you. It’s particularly well-suited for those who thrive on rapid response and appreciate the ability to customize their switches through lubrication. The Box CJ’s unique acoustic profile and smooth push feel can greatly enhance your typing experience, especially if you like a bit of personality in your sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation with a focus on effortless typing and a refined experience, the HMX Gravel linear switch may be your best bet. Its lighter force allows for quicker key presses, making it ideal for fast, prolonged typing sessions without the fatigue associated with heavier switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you value sound, feel, and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard experience. Whether you lean towards the expressive nature of the Box CJs or the smooth responsiveness of the Gravel switches, both have unique traits that can cater to different typing preferences.
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