Gateron Box CJ vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preferences in tactile feedback and sound profile, as showcased by the Gateron Box CJ and the Neo Lavender HE. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch celebrated for its swift response and smooth actuation, ideal for gamers and typists seeking a quick, high-pitched clack with every keystroke. This unlubed switch allows enthusiasts to customize their experience, presenting a raw feel that appeals to those who appreciate unrefined mechanical action. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs a unique hall effect mechanism, producing a low, clean sound that pairs seamlessly with Wooting keyboards. This switch is designed for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience without sacrificing performance. While both switches cater to different tactile sensations and auditory preferences, they both promise an engaging typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Neo Lavender HE switches, a notable distinction arises from their choice of top housing materials. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances sound resonance, making it a favored material for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches offer their unique sound characteristics, the Box CJ's polycarbonate top promotes clarity and brightness, whereas the Lavender HE's nylon top contributes warmth and depth.
The bottom housings of the two switches present an interesting contrast as well. Both the Box CJ and the Lavender HE utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is noted for its ability to produce a rich, full sound profile. The qualities associated with this material remain consistent between the two switches, indicating that users can expect a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed. Despite the differences in the top housing materials that affect the auditory experience upon release, the nylon bottom guarantees a shared attribute of a deeper and resonant sound. This duality in material choice highlights how the combined effects of the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall key feel and sound signature of each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials within each switch provides a unique auditory and tactile experience for users. The polycarbonate top of the Box CJ introduces brightness and clarity to the sound, while the nylon bottom maintains richness with its fuller sound profile. Meanwhile, the Lavender HE's nylon top retains a similar soft touch, combined with the nylon bottom, which ensures consistency in the richer sound experience. While they leverage different materials for their top housing, the shared nylon in the bottoms means both switches can deliver an engaging typing experience, albeit with different tonal qualities. Users may select between the two based on their preference for either a crisper sound or a rounder auditory experience, showcasing the nuanced impact of housing materials in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, notable differences emerge. The Box CJ features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users of the Lavender HE can expect a softer feel, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might gravitate towards the Box CJ. Ultimately, the Gateron Box CJ switch is heavier, offering a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Neo Lavender HE is lighter, catering to those who favor ease of actuation.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the Box CJ offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper keypress for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Lavender HE's shorter travel distance may be advantageous for gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences: those who favor a hearty depth should consider the Gateron Box CJ, while those who appreciate a more responsive and immediate feel might prefer the Neo Lavender HE.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the distinctions become apparent. The Box CJ offers a high-pitched and lively auditory experience characterized by its clacky and chirpy nature, producing a bright and crisp sound that typists often find enjoyable. This makes it a suitable choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the sound profile of the Lavender HE remains largely unspecified, though it is noted to be clean and low. This indicates that it may produce a more subdued and quieter typing experience, which can be appealing in environments where noise is a concern.
In terms of their tactile qualities, the Gateron Box CJ is described as having a mild feel, providing a gentler typing experience that should feel approachable to a variety of users. Its smooth glide ensures that keystrokes are comfortable, allowing for rapid typing without unnecessary resistance. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Neo Lavender HE have not been explicitly detailed in the available information, leaving an uncertainty regarding its specific feel. As such, potential users may need to find hands-on feedback to fully understand how it compares.
In summary, the Gateron Box CJ and Neo Lavender HE switches offer contrasting sound experiences, with the former known for its clacky and chirpy sound and the latter described as clean and low. The Box CJ also features a mild feel, promoting an effortless typing experience, while the tactile nature of the Lavender HE awaits further exploration. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, leading to a more personalized mechanical keyboard experience based on those qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use case. If you lean towards a more traditional mechanical feel, appreciate a medium-light actuation force, and enjoy a distinct clacky sound that can resonate joyfully on each keystroke, the Box CJ is an excellent option for you. Its intentionally unlubed design allows for a raw yet smooth experience or provides the perfect foundation for custom enhancement. This makes it ideal for typists who revel in the excitement of a fast-paced typing environment or gaming, where rapid response is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke with a clean, subdued sound profile, the Lavender HE might be your go-to switch. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it excellent for prolonged typing without fatigue while delivering a quieter experience, perfect for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. The Lavender HE's compatibility with Wooting keyboards also opens it up for enthusiasts interested in advanced features like analog input. Hence, identifying your priority—either auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction with the Box CJ or a soft touch and low sound with the Lavender HE—will steer you towards the switch that enhances your keyboard experience.
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