Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch can make all the difference. The Gateron Box CJ and the HMX KD200 are two excellent linear switches that cater to different preferences and styles. The Box CJ is celebrated for its swift response and higher-pitched clacks, providing typists with a satisfying auditory feedback and an exceptionally smooth push feel, perfect for rapid typing and gaming alike. Its unlubed nature allows enthusiasts the freedom to customize their experience, turning it into a blank canvas for personal preference. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, delivering a pronounced sound profile that many enthusiasts seek for that traditional typing feel. While the KD200 may appeal more to those who appreciate an audible and tactile experience, the Box CJ caters to users who lean toward a smoother, more personalized touch. 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
50g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX KD200, the differences in the top housings are particularly noteworthy. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which results in a crisp and higher-pitched sound profile. This material allows for sound resonance that is clearer and more amplified, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a sharper auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, ensuring that the illumination can be effectively showcased. In contrast, the KD200 utilizes a nylon top housing, a material revered for its softer and more absorbent properties. This leads to a rounder and fuller sound, providing a rich auditory experience that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, thus creating a warmer typing feel.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, exhibit a similarity that enhances the overall sound characteristics. Both the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX KD200 feature nylon as their bottom housing material. As such, both switches will likely produce a deeper, more rounded sound profile that is rich and satisfying to type on. The nylon's tendency to absorb sound contributes to a muted bottom-out sound that appeals to users who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback. This convergence in bottom housing material means that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches will deliver a similar foundational typing experience.
Ultimately, the interaction of the two different top housing materials with their identical bottom housing influences the overall typing experience. While the Box CJ delivers a sharper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top, the KD200 offers a deeper auditory experience with its nylon top. However, since both switches share nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent and rich acoustic feedback during key presses and bottom-outs. This combination ensures that while the typing experience may differ slightly owing to the top housings, the overall sound qualities from the bottom will render an enjoyable experience for users of either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning both switches require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Box CJ at 57 grams and the KD200 at a lighter 50 grams. This disparity indicates that while both switches feel similar when initially actuated, the Box CJ provides a noticeably heavier feel when bottoming out, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX KD200, being the lighter option, may be better suited for prolonged use due to reduced finger fatigue during extended gaming sessions or work tasks. Thus, users looking for a lighter feel might prefer the KD200, whereas those seeking a heavier switch might lean towards the Box CJ.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, the Gateron Box CJ features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX KD200 has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Box CJ the longer option, providing a more substantial feel with its traditional depth, which some users may prefer for a satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the KD200, with its shorter travel distance, offers a quicker actuation that can be beneficial for gamers seeking fast response times. If you opt for the HMX KD200, you'll likely experience more immediate key presses, whereas the Gateron Box CJ allows for a more deliberate and potentially comfortable typing experience.
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 HMX KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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 linear switch stands out with its distinctive tonal qualities. Typists will experience a pleasant resonance, characterized by high-pitched clacks that are crisp and bright. This sharp sound becomes particularly engaging during rapid typing, offering a percussive element that enhances the overall auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX KD200 linear switch is known for being the loudest in its family, boasting a notably clacky sound profile. However, details about its exact sound characteristics are not provided, making it difficult to offer a direct comparison. Overall, while both switches offer appealing auditory experiences, the Box CJ leans towards clarity and brightness, while the KD200 is more prominent in its clackiness.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ excels with a smooth typing experience that is both fluid and effortless. The unlubed design contributes to a raw yet refined feel that can be appreciated as is or customized according to personal preference. It is described as having a mild sensation, ensuring that users—whether novices or seasoned typists—engage with a relatively gentle typing experience. The HMX KD200, however, lacks detailed descriptors regarding its tactile feedback, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in this regard. Therefore, while the Box CJ provides a specific and enjoyable tactile experience, the feel of the KD200 remains uncertain.
In summary, both the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX KD200 linear switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Box CJ providing clarity and a bright resonance while the KD200 is the clackiest in its category. The feel of the Box CJ is marked by an impossibly smooth and mild experience, appealing to a broad audience, while the tactile traits of the KD200 remain unknown. Therefore, those seeking a well-rounded switch may gravitate towards the Box CJ for its auditory and tactile attributes, while the KD200 might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory presence.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX KD200 linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing experience. If you are drawn to a slightly heavier touch with a bottom-out force of 57 grams, and seek the unique, clacky acoustic profile that increases your typing joy, the Box CJ would be the ideal choice for you. Its smooth, unlubed feel allows for a custom experience while delivering a swift response, making it particularly suitable for gamers and fast typists. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and enjoy a clackier sound landscape that adds character to your typing, the HMX KD200 is the way to go. It’s geared more toward those who want an engaging auditory experience with a softer feel. Both switches have their merits; it’s all about which qualities resonate with your typing style and the acoustic ambiance you wish to create in your workspace.
Mentioned in this article
