Gateron Box CJ vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the BSUN Guyu mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is ideal for those who prioritize rapid response and a smooth typing experience, with its higher-pitched clacks and unlubed option for customization. On the other hand, the Guyu stands out for its distinctive auditory experience, combining deep acoustics with a bright bottom-out sound and smooth keystrokes. While the Box CJ is known for its clacky and mild feel, the Guyu is described as creamy, frictionless, and snappy. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Guyu both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Box CJ utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp and crisp sound with a higher pitch. In contrast, the Guyu features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ may provide a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the POM top housing of the Guyu.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft plastic properties that absorb more sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Guyu contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a unique sound experience that may appeal to different preferences. The nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ may provide a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Guyu.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Guyu ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Box CJ offers a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Guyu provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top and bottom housing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the housing material chosen.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, we see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Box CJ has a higher bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Guyu's 50 grams. This means that the Box CJ provides a slightly heavier typing experience when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing, the Guyu would be the better option, as it has a lighter bottom out force. The Box CJ, on the other hand, offers a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, both switches provide similar actuation forces, but the Box CJ is slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out, while the Guyu is lighter in comparison. Depending on personal preference, users may choose one over the other based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Guyu has a shorter travel distance compared to the CJ. The shorter travel distance of the Guyu may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times, while the CJ's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer deeper key travel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Bsun Guyu has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Guyu for $3.70.
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 offers a clacky and higher-pitched sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, creating a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu switch also provides a clacky sound, but with a unique depth and clarity thanks to its all-POM housing. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, with the Box CJ having a sharper tone and the Guyu providing a brighter bottom-out sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing a comfortable typing experience. The Bsun Guyu switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke due to the high-grade UPE stem. Both switches offer a frictionless and polished feel, ensuring a fluid and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and Bsun Guyu switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ excels in providing a sharp, clacky sound with an effortless glide feel, while the Guyu delivers a balanced sound signature with a creamy and smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the higher-pitched clacks of the Box CJ or the depth and clarity of the Guyu switches to enhance their typing rhythm. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their own distinct characteristics, ensuring a pleasant and responsive feel with each keystroke.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ and BSUN Guyu linear switches, consider the specific characteristics that align with your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a swift and responsive typing experience with a higher-pitched clack and smooth push feel, the Gateron Box CJ with its medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a unique auditory experience with deep acoustics, bright bottom-out sound, and super-smooth keystrokes due to the medium weight and high-grade UPE stem, the BSUN Guyu with its lighter bottom out force of 50 grams might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the more rapid response of the Box CJ or the distinctive sound signature of the Guyu, as well as how these characteristics align with your typing preferences and needs.
Mentioned in this article
