Gateron Box CJ vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each designed to cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Box CJ is a standout linear switch that embodies the brand's hallmark attributes while incorporating the swift response of speed switches, making it an excellent choice for typists who value rapid feedback. Its higher-pitched clacks and exceptionally smooth push feel create a tactile experience that many gamers and typists will appreciate. The unlubed nature of the Box CJ adds a unique dimension, allowing users the flexibility to personalize their typing experience through custom lubrication—an enticing prospect for those who enjoy fine-tuning their setup. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales, developed by XY Studio, offers a meticulously refined design born from a year-long process focused on custom housings and stems. This switch promises an exceptionally smooth typing experience that makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, catering to users who prioritize comfort and performance. While both switches are linear and deliver distinct experiences, the Gateron Box CJ emphasizes a clacky, raw feel, whereas the Jade Rosales seeks to provide a polished and buttery smooth experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Jade Rosales, it's evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and translucence, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This shared material allows enthusiasts to expect a clear and resonant auditory experience from both switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The aesthetic benefits of using polycarbonate in the top housing further enhance the overall visual appeal, making both switches suitable choices for users who prioritize dynamic lighting effects.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches differ significantly. The Box CJ employs nylon, a classic material known for its softer properties that lead to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic results from nylon's ability to absorb sound, producing a more muted acoustic experience. Meanwhile, the Jade Rosales features a Custom Milky Material bottom housing, described as a proprietary BSUN blend that likely aims to balance sound and feel in a unique way. While the precise qualities of this custom material are not elaborated upon, it suggests an attempt to innovate beyond the traditional nylon experience, potentially leading to a distinctly different typing feel or acoustic response.
The combination of these materials creates a nuanced sound profile for each switch. For the Box CJ, the nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feeling, contributing to a softer experience upon key press. On the other hand, since the Jade Rosales's bottom housing properties are less defined, it may impart a different sensation, possibly complementing the top housing's polycarbonate without entirely mirroring its acoustic qualities. Ultimately, while the top housings are aligned in material and sound characteristics, the differing bottom housings will influence the overall experience, allowing users to compare not only the auditory results but also the tactile feedback between the two options.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches both have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally lightweight in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, they differ slightly in their bottom out forces, with the Box CJ registering at 57 grams, while the Jade Rosales comes in at a slightly lighter 53 grams. This means that while both switches provide a comparable typing experience when activating a keystroke, the Box CJ requires a bit more force to bottom out than the Jade Rosales. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter overall touch might lean towards the Bsun Jade Rosales for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the Gateron Box CJ due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, we find that the Box CJ boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jade Rosales has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Box CJ offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which may appeal to those who appreciate a hearty depth when pressing keys. In contrast, the Jade Rosales, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference—if you prefer a more pronounced key press, the Box CJ is the better option, but if responsiveness is your priority, the Jade Rosales may be more appealing.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized as clacky, with a distinct bright and percussive quality that results in a sharp, snappy noise on actuation. This makes it an engaging choice for typists who enjoy an auditory feedback that accentuates their keystrokes. The switches exhibit a chirpy element as well, adding a unique layer to the sound experience. In contrast, while the sound profile of the Bsun Jade Rosales switches is not explicitly detailed, it's reasonable to anticipate a different auditory experience due to their meticulously refined design and custom housing, which may produce a more subdued or nuanced sound when compared to the higher-pitched, clacky nature of the Box CJ.
Regarding feel, the Box CJ is mentioned as providing a mild tactile sensation, offering a gentle typing experience that remains accessible for both beginners and experienced typists alike. This milder feedback can often create a pleasing typing rhythm without overwhelming the user. In comparison, the feel of the Bsun Jade Rosales switches remains unspecified; however, given their reputation for exceptional smoothness cultivated through a year of refinement, one might expect them to deliver a premium tactile experience, possibly surpassing the mildness of the Box CJ for those who value seamless keystrokes.
In summary, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch emphasizes a bright, clacky sound profile paired with a mild feel, making it suitable for users seeking auditory excitement combined with a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, while the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, the specific sound and feel characteristics remain undisclosed. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences; if you appreciate a lively auditory feedback alongside a user-friendly feel, the Box CJ is the way to go. Conversely, if your priority lies in a highly refined and smooth typing experience, the Jade Rosales may be more appealing—though one should keep in mind the individual dynamics of different keyboards and keycap choices which can influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for sound and typing feel. If you appreciate a lively and engaging auditory experience in your typing, the Box CJ is a compelling choice, particularly due to its distinct clackiness and chirpy nuances, which can elevate your typing enjoyment. Its intentionally unlubed design allows for a customization opportunity, letting you personalize the switch's feel and sound to suit your preferences. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, more refined typing experience and prioritize a high level of craftsmanship, the Jade Rosales switches would be ideal. Their meticulously designed components and advanced lubrication techniques deliver a velvety typing sensation, providing tactile satisfaction without overwhelming you with sound. In this case, you'd likely appreciate the quieter, more subdued nature of the Jade Rosales, especially in quieter environments. Therefore, consider your typing context, the sound profile you favor, and how much customization you want when deciding between these two switches, as each offers unique benefits that cater to different styles and preferences.
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