Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Box Pink mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique advantages for different types of users. The Box CJ is favored for its marriage of the CJ lineage's attributes with the swift characteristics of speed switches, providing typists with a rapid response and higher-pitched clacks. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink showcases a smooth and lighter typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack, making it an attractive option for those looking for a polished and silky typing experience. While the Box CJ is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', the Ink Box Pink is labeled as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the specific preferences and needs of the user. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Box Pink both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, while the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a slightly higher-pitched, clacky sound. Both materials offer a translucent appearance, making them ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Box CJ's polycarbonate is known for its stiffer properties, resulting in a more resonant sound profile compared to the Ink Box Pink's softer INK blend material.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Box CJ utilizes nylon material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties that absorb more sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a similar high-pitched sound to its top housing, contributing to its overall clacky sound profile. While the Box CJ focuses on a rounder and duller sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink maintains a consistent thin and higher-pitched sound throughout both its top and bottom housings.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Ink Box Pink play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ results in a crisper sound, while the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend material offers a clacky and pointed sound experience. Despite their differences, both switches excel in providing unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, we find that the Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams, while the Ink Box Pink needs 60 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium actuation and bottom out forces. The Box CJ provides a slightly lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those looking to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly heavier push, resulting in a more substantial typing experience which some users may prefer for enhanced feedback and precision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Box CJ. A 0.4 mm difference might not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Box CJ may provide a more satisfying and tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Overall, both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ switch is best described as clacky and neutral, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch also produces a clacky sound but with a higher-pitched profile that is crisp and bright. Both switches provide a unique acoustic experience that sets them apart from others, with the Ink Box Pink offering a slightly different tone due to its high-pitched nature.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable for most users. The smooth push feel of the Box CJ switch glides effortlessly, offering a safe middle-ground zone in terms of typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities make the Ink Box Pink switch stand out for its refined and sleek feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box CJ switch provides a clacky and neutral sound with a mild typing feel, the Ink Box Pink switch offers a higher-pitched clack and a silky, polished feel for a smoother typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience that is sure to meet your needs. Whether you choose the Box CJ or the Ink Box Pink, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance, with each switch offering its own distinct characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, a clacky and neutral sound profile, and a mild typing experience, the Gateron Box CJ may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, and a silky and polished typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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