Gateron Box CJ vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ, a linear switch, and the Durock Ice King Tactile, a tactile switch, stand out as top contenders. The Box CJ offers typists rapid response and higher-pitched clacks, providing a smooth push feel that effortlessly glides under the fingertips. With the Box CJ, users have the choice to either enjoy its raw smoothness or customize the lubrication to their liking. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile excels at providing a creamy smooth typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a unique and satisfying tactile feel. While the Box CJ is 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Ice King Tactile is 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished'. Both switches offer distinct advantages, however, let's dive deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Ice King Tactile, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. The Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those looking for a more resonant and clear sound, while the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Ice King Tactile share a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the top housing material may vary between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound and feel for users who prioritize a more muted and softer typing sound.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Ice King Tactile ultimately comes down to personal preferences in sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those seeking a more resonant typing experience with RGB lighting capabilities. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for those looking for a more muted and softer typing sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a consistent typing experience, ensuring a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, it is evident that the Box CJ is the lighter of the two. The Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile is the heavier switch when it comes to bottom out force, with a bottom out force of 68 grams compared to the Box CJ's 57 grams. The Box CJ offers a medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile provides a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ice King Tactile has a shorter travel distance compared to the Box CJ. The shorter travel distance of the Ice King Tactile may appeal to those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Box CJ offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience the user is looking for.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ is best described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive, offering a satisfying auditory experience for typists seeking a more pronounced sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile is described as subdued, providing a dampened sound when pressed that is more subtle and less disruptive. The Ice King Tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Box CJ, perfect for those who prefer a more muted sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Typists can expect an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing a balanced and approachable tactile experience. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is characterized by its silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance and friction when pressing and releasing keys. The Ice King Tactile switch provides a luxurious and frictionless typing feel that enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Box CJ excels in producing a clacky sound and offering a mild, smooth push feel, suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its subdued sound profile and silky smooth typing feel, providing a luxurious and refined typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance the overall typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch that provides a rapid response with higher-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push feel, the Gateron Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a drier, raw expression of smoothness or enjoy customizing the lubrication of your switches, the Box CJ is a great option. On the other hand, if you seek a tactile typing experience that blends creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is perfect for you. This switch offers a uniquely satisfying tactile experience with remarkable finesse. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or a tactile typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and desired sound and feel.
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