Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Box Black are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is notable for its swift response and higher-pitched clacks, perfect for those seeking rapid typing speed. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Box CJ being categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Chirpy', while the Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', 'Polished'. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Box Black differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant sound, particularly suited for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, offering a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials provide unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate in the Box CJ offers a more defined and crisp sound compared to the Ink Box Black's INK blend.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Box CJ and the Ink Box Black also differ in material composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box CJ's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. In contrast, the Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, providing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Despite both materials offering unique sound characteristics, the nylon in the Box CJ contributes to a deeper and more resonant sound compared to the Ink Box Black's INK blend bottom housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Box Black play a crucial role in determining the sound profiles of the switches. While the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound profile, the Ink Box Black's INK blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound. Similarly, the Box CJ's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Ink Box Black's INK blend bottom housing contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound. By understanding the differences in material composition and resulting sound profiles, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is clear that the Box CJ is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Ink Box Black is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Box CJ offers a more gentle typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where fatigue can be a factor. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, appealing to those who prefer a heavier switch for a more tactile experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, however, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, we find that the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Box CJ's 4 mm. This means that the Ink Box Black will provide a slightly quicker keypress as it doesn't have to travel as far to actuate. However, the Box CJ offers a bit more depth to the keypress, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Box Black being on the shallower end and the Box CJ falling in the middle. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress feel and response time.
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 Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 characterized as having a clacky and neutral sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch also offers a clacky sound but is noted for its high-pitched nature, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Box CJ may appeal to those looking for a more traditional and versatile sound, while the Ink Box Black may cater to individuals who prefer a sharper and more distinct sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its silky and polished feel, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Those who prioritize smoothness and refined keypresses may lean towards the Ink Box Black, while individuals seeking a milder and more balanced typing feel may find the Box CJ appealing.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Box CJ provides a clacky and mild typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Ink Box Black delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound alongside a silky and polished feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, you can make an informed decision based on your preferences to achieve similar or differing results in your typing experience with these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a higher-pitched, clacky sound with a smooth push feel, then the Box CJ may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and an incredibly smooth, creamy sound with a silky smooth and polished typing feel, then the Ink Box Black may be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and which attributes matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
