Gateron Box CJ vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Keygeek Raw linear switch, it's clear that both offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is celebrated for its swift response and higher-pitched clacks, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, offering a creamy and lightweight feel with a slightly textured touch. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Chirpy', the Keygeek Raw is described as 'Textured' and 'Subtle'. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to individual preferences and typing styles, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, offering a unique sound experience exclusive to this switch. While both materials have their own advantages, the polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who prioritize a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the Nylon & UPE blend top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gateron Box CJ boasts a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing. This classic switch housing material contrasts with the UMPE & Si blend bottom housing of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw, offering a different sound profile exclusive to this switch. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the impact and bottom-out feel influenced by the UMPE & Si blend bottom housing. Both materials provide a unique typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
When comparing the overall sound and feel of the switches, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the user experience. While the Gateron Box CJ splits the qualities of the housing materials between the top and bottom, impacting both the bottom-out sound and the release sound, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw offers a unique sound profile exclusive to its blend of materials. Whether you prefer the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate or the deep and full sound of nylon, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw will depend on your priorities in sound quality and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Gateron Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Keygeek Raw's actuation force is not specified. However, both switches have a bottom out force of around 57 grams, making them similar in that aspect. The Gateron Box CJ is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Keygeek Raw, which could appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw provides a slightly heavier actuation force, potentially offering a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended use and heavier switches providing a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is 4 mm, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Gateron Box CJ linear switch. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Gateron Box CJ switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel each individual is looking for in their keyboard.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 known for its clacky nature, providing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. This characteristic gives typists a tactile auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound produced by each switch may vary, allowing users to customize their auditory experience to their liking.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch is praised for its smooth push feel, offering an effortless typing experience that glides with each keypress. This smoothness can be further enhanced through customization with lubrication, giving enthusiasts the flexibility to fine-tune the feel to their exact specifications. Conversely, the Keygeek Raw switch presents a textured feel right out of the box, providing a unique typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a bit of friction in their switches. With a blend of materials like Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a creamy yet lightweight feel that sets it apart from traditional linear switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ and Keygeek Raw switches each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box CJ is characterized by its clacky sound and smooth push feel, the Keygeek Raw switch stands out with its neutral sound profile and textured typing experience. Both switches provide enthusiasts with opportunities for customization and personalization, allowing them to tailor their mechanical keyboard to their specific preferences. Overall, whether you choose the Gateron Box CJ or Keygeek Raw switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your individual needs and desires.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value rapid response and a smooth push feel with higher-pitched clacks, the Gateron Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a creamy and unexpectedly lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel, the Keygeek Raw could be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Happy typing!
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