Gateron Box CJ vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Box CJ and the Keygeek Keylin, both linear switches, offer distinct experiences that can significantly affect your keyboard usage. The Box CJ is celebrated for its quick response time and higher-pitched clacks, perfect for those who thrive on rapid typing and enjoy auditory feedback. Its intentionally unlubed design allows for a customizable tactile experience, making it appealing to users who enjoy tweaking their switches for a personal touch. On the other hand, the Keylin shines with its premium typing experience, emphasizing exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, making it a top choice for those who favor a serene and enjoyable typing environment. With characteristics that cater to utility and pleasure respectively, these switches offer unique benefits. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the Keygeek Keylin used distinct materials for their top housings, influencing their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more resonant and clear auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate enables enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an aesthetically appealing choice for gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize both sound quality and illumination. In contrast, the Keylin opts for a nylon top housing, which is known for delivering deeper, fuller sound profiles. Because nylon is softer than polycarbonate, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tonal quality, thereby impacting the auditory experience significantly as compared to the crispness offered by the Box CJ.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, each made from nylon. This choice for the bottom housing means that both switches will produce a similar acoustic experience when bottoming out, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's sound absorption properties contribute to a rounder dampened feel, which can provide users with a satisfying tactile experience. Therefore, while the top housing materials differ—resulting in contrasting sound profiles—the bottom housing helps unify the auditory characteristics of both switches during key presses, with the nylon contributing to the perceived depth and richness in sound.
In summary, the Gateron Box CJ and Keygeek Keylin create distinguishable auditory experiences based on their top housing materials. The Box CJ's polycarbonate brings a crisper and more defined sound when releasing keys, while the Keylin’s nylon top creates a deeper and softer sound. However, due to their shared nylon bottom housings, both switches possess similar qualities in terms of the bottom-out sound, providing a layer of cohesion between the two despite their differences. Therefore, users looking for a balance between sharper and fuller sound profiles can find satisfaction in these switches while benefiting from the combined features of their distinct top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Box CJ features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option, whereas the Keylin has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. As such, the Keylin is decidedly lighter, making it more suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box CJ provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who favor a stronger push in their typing experience. Consequently, users looking for tactile feedback may gravitate towards the Box CJ, while those prioritizing a softer touch would find the Keylin more accommodating.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Box CJ features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the most traditional measurement and may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the Keylin has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a better option for gamers looking for quicker response times due to its reduced distance. While both switches are linear, the Box CJ’s longer travel provides a more substantial tactile experience, whereas the Keylin's shorter travel might feel more abrupt to some users. Therefore, if you prefer a hearty depth, the Box CJ would be the ideal choice, while the Keylin is better suited for those who favor responsiveness.
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 Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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 switches produce a distinctive acoustic profile characterized by higher-pitched clacks and a overall clacky nature. This quality gives the switches a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. Additionally, the Box CJ has a chirpy nuance, offering a bit of a squeak that can be endearing to some users. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Keylin switch remain unspecified, leaving its audio profile unknown. However, it is noted that the Keylin switches deliver rich acoustics, which suggests they might lean towards a pronounced and satisfying sound as well, though specifics are absent.
On the tactile side, the Box CJ switch is recognized for its impossibly smooth push feel, which enables a gliding typing experience. It offers a mild feel that is approachable for most users, striking a balance that ensures comfort for typists of varying skill levels. This gentle typing experience does not detract from its performance, as the swift characteristics of speed switches lend themselves to rapid response. Meanwhile, the Keylin's tactile experience is left unspecified, indicating that further information is required to draw any comparisons in feel. However, its mention of delivering a premium typing experience suggests that it endeavors to offer a similarly smooth and satisfying sensation during use.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ linear switches showcase a unique combination of sound and feel, with their clacky acoustics and smooth typing experience, the Keylin switches leave some questions unanswered regarding their specific qualities. Nonetheless, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, and if the Keylin Switches align with the Box CJ's attributes, users can expect a similarly gratifying outcome. Ultimately, personal preferences and potential customization will play key roles in determining which switch best suits an individual's needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re someone who enjoys a slightly heavier feel and wants a switch that delivers quick responsiveness along with a clacky acoustic profile, the Box CJ is a solid option. Its medium-light actuation force of 57 grams provides a smooth yet engaging typing experience, particularly favorable for those who prioritize speed and a unique sound when typing. Additionally, if you are an enthusiast looking to customize your switch's sound and feel, the unlubed nature of the Box CJ allows you to tailor the experience to your liking. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more subdued typing experience, the Keylin with its 48-gram actuation force will be more suitable for you. It offers a premium feel with rich acoustics that might be more appealing for long typing sessions or casual gaming. Ultimately, consider what aspects—whether it’s sound, force, customization, or the overall typing experience—are most important to you, and choose accordingly.
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