Gateron Box CJ vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Light Sakura offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, catering to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Box CJ is celebrated for its rapid response and impressive smoothness, characterized by a higher-pitched clack that engages users seeking a more tactile feedback. This unlubed switch allows for a customizable feel, often appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy personalizing their keyboards. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes silence and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a quieter typing experience. Its ultra-light design promotes fatigue-free longer typing sessions, catering to users who value discretion without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their unique merits, making them suitable for varied typing styles and requirements. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ switches and the Bsun Light Sakura switches share a fundamental similarity in their top housing, as both utilize polycarbonate. This commonality leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. As a translucent plastic, it also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. Since both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect similar visual effects when the switches are activated under illumination. Consequently, when it comes to the auditory experience of key release, both switches should deliver a picture of clarity and resonance.
In contrast to their top housings, the materials employed in the bottom housings of these switches introduce noteworthy differences. The Box CJ uses nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for yielding a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively soft composition, which absorbs sound waves effectively and softens the overall auditory experience. Conversely, the Light Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing that mirrors the sound profile characteristics of its top housing, resulting in a brighter and more resonant auditory output. This differentiation means that while the top of both switches will sound similarly sharp, the bottom housings will present contrasting experiences—one providing a rounded warmth while the other emphasizes clarity.
The interplay between these materials exemplifies how the tactile and auditory sensation of pressing each switch varies. When typing on the Box CJ, the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the feel and sound upon bottoming out, cultivating a rounder and deeper experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the high-pitched clarity found in its top housing. Therefore, while users can expect uniformity in terms of aesthetics and the top-out sound profile from both switches, their bottom-out experiences are distinct due to the different materials used. This nuanced combination of housing materials ultimately influences the overall performance of each switch, providing a diverse tactile and auditory experience based on user preference.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light option, while the Light Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Light Sakura is easier to press down, providing a lighter typing experience ideal for extended use, whether for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Box CJ, with its heavier forces, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, as the moderate resistance can enhance tactile feedback. Overall, the Gateron Box CJ is on the heavier side, while the Bsun Light Sakura is definitely the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The Box CJ features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with a more traditional feel, providing a deeper press that some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the Light Sakura has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a choice that can appeal to gamers who prefer quicker responsiveness without sacrificing too much depth. This shorter distance might feel more abrupt to certain users, but it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you value a more pronounced bottom-out sensation, the Gateron Box CJ is the better option, while the Bsun Light Sakura would be more suitable if you're looking for speed and a slightly shallower feel.
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 Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 produces a bright and percussive clacky sound, characterized by its sharp and snappy auditory profile. This is accompanied by a neutral tone that balances the overall acoustic experience, making the Box CJ suitable for various environments, whether in a home office or more casual settings. The added chirpy quality gives it a unique edge, setting it apart in terms of auditory distinctiveness. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is noted for its silent operation, designed specifically for discretion in quieter workspaces or shared environments. While it leans towards maintaining silence, the absence of detailed sound descriptors makes it difficult to compare directly to the Box CJ, emphasizing that users seeking a quiet experience will prefer the Light Sakura.
Transitioning to the feel of these switches, the Box CJ offers a smooth, mild typing experience that stands out due to its effortless glide when pressed. Although unlubed, this switch allows for a raw expression of smoothness that can appeal to those who appreciate a clean feel or wish to personalize the switch with their lubrication of choice. In contrast, the Light Sakura is designed for comfort with its ultra-light actuation force, making it well-suited for lengthy typing sessions without fatigue. The focus on ease and fatigue reduction emphasizes a different approach to tactile engagement, catering to users looking for a gentle typing experience.
In summary, while the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a lively auditory and tactile engagement with its clacky sound and smooth feel, the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes silence and comfort for prolonged use. Users looking for a more dynamic typing experience with distinct sound may gravitate towards the Box CJ, whereas those in need of a quiet, comfortable solution will find the Light Sakura aligns with their preferences. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles, ensuring that newcomers can select based on their personal needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing style and environment. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light actuation force and enjoy the clacky sound profile that the Box CJ offers, then this switch is likely to be your best bet. Its higher-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push make it ideal for typists seeking responsiveness and a satisfying auditory experience, especially in a more personalized setup where you might want to add lubrication. On the other hand, if your priority lies in a quiet, unobtrusive typing experience, particularly in shared or professional spaces, the Light Sakura’s ultra-light feel and silent operation will serve you well, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions without the background distraction of noise. Ultimately, your decision should reflect both your personal preference for sound and feedback as well as the context in which you will be using the switches, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs.
Mentioned in this article
