Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Black V2 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is renowned for its swift speed switch attributes, providing typists with rapid response and higher-pitched clacks. The smooth push feel of the Box CJ allows for effortless typing, making it a popular choice for those looking for a clacky and mild switch. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is loved for its classic linear switch design, offering a smooth downstroke and rich clack. This switch is categorized as low-pitched, bassy, and polished, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. Ultimately, deciding between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer distinct sound profiles due to the different materials used. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and clearer sound profile. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both top housings provide unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ is known for its resonant and crisp sound, while the INK blend of the Ink Black V2 offers a satisfying and distinctive clacky sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Gateron Box CJ utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 also utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which complements the pointed and high-pitched sound profile of the top housing. The combination of materials in the bottom housing of both switches adds to the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in terms of polycarbonate and INK blend, respectively, both switches offer a unique typing experience. The split of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch creates a balance of impact on sound and feel during typing. Whether you prefer the sharper and clearer sound of the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing or the distinctive clacky sound of the INK blend in the Ink Black V2, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In comparison, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Box CJ for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Ink Black V2 offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users can find the switch that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is apparent that both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, and therefore users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 linear switch is best described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This gives typists a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch provides a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone, creating a mellow and rich sound profile during key presses. The Ink Black V2 also shares a chirpy quality with the Box CJ, adding a unique acoustic signature to both switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Box CJ and the Ink Black V2 are described as mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. However, the Box CJ stands out for its impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing a unique typing sensation. Conversely, the Ink Black V2 is noted for its smooth downstroke and polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ provides a clacky sound with an exceptionally smooth push feel, while the Ink Black V2 delivers a low-pitched and rich sound profile with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a mild typing experience suitable for a wide range of users, and selecting between the two would largely depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. However, if you enjoy the qualities of one switch, you are likely to find similar results with the other due to their shared mild characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a higher-pitched, clacky sound with a smooth push feel, the Box CJ may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a low-pitched, bassy sound with a smooth and refined typing experience, the Ink Black V2 could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and what attributes you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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