Gateron Box CJ vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Ice King Linear. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the swift characteristics of speed switches with the hallmark attributes of the CJ lineage, making it ideal for those who desire rapid response. Typists will appreciate the higher-pitched clacks and the impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear is also a linear switch known for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the Gateron Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', the Ice King Linear is categorized as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, 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
52g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Ice King Linear lies in their top housings. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This is ideal for users who prefer a clear and resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for those who enjoy a more precise and bright sound, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing caters to individuals who prefer a deeper and rounder sound experience.
Both the Box CJ and the Ice King Linear share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This commonality ensures that users of both switches will experience a consistent typing feel and sound when pressing down on the keys. However, the differences in the top housing materials of polycarbonate for the Box CJ and nylon for the Ice King Linear will lead to varying sound profiles when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ will produce a sharper sound upon key release, while the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear will result in a duller and rounder sound upon key release.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Ice King Linear play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. The Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile - whether they enjoy a brighter and more resonant sound (Box CJ) or a deeper and fuller sound (Ice King Linear).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 52 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams while the Ice King Linear needs 62 grams, giving the Ice King Linear a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down. Despite the variances in force, both switches fall into the medium-light to medium category, offering a balance between typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Ice King Linear has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm compared to the Box CJ's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Linear may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Box CJ's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer reliable performance, but the Ice King Linear may provide a slightly quicker key press with its shorter travel distance.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds that are crisp and percussive. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound, producing a more dampened and subtle sound signature. When it comes to feel, the Box CJ switch provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, evoking a sense of gliding and effortless keystrokes.
Overall, if sound is a priority, the Box CJ switch would be recommended for those who prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound. However, for those seeking a more subdued and quiet typing experience, the Ice King Linear switch would be a better option. In terms of feel, the Box CJ switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience, while the Ice King Linear switch provides a silky and frictionless sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and a customizable lubrication option, the Box CJ might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a more subdued sound profile and generous factory lube, the Ice King Linear could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing feel and sound you value more in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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