Gateron Box CJ vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Box CJ is known for its swift characteristics, designed for those who desire rapid response and higher-pitched clacks during typing. Typists can expect an incredibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing experience. A unique feature of the Lightning Silver V3 is its light diffuser, enhancing RGB illumination for a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. While both switches fall under the 'Clacky' category, they each offer their own unique qualities and characteristics. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is known to provide a clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while the Box CJ also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 sticks to polycarbonate for both the top and bottom parts of the housing.
In terms of sound and feel, the Box CJ's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the crisper tone produced by the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and tactile feedback of a switch. On the other hand, both switches showcase the impact of the top housing material on the sound when a key is released, emphasizing the importance of considering the entire housing composition for a desired typing experience.
While both switches offer the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound profile, the variation in bottom housing material between the Box CJ and the Lightning Silver V3 provides a distinct typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper sound elicited by the nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ or the crisper tone of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Lightning Silver V3, the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams, making the Box CJ the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams, making the Lightning Silver V3 the heavier option. Both switches provide a medium feel overall, with the Box CJ leaning towards the lighter side and the Lightning Silver V3 towards the heavier side. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Box CJ, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. Regardless of the choice made, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces with these two switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer side compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Box CJ offers a more traditional feel with its 4 mm travel distance, providing a deeper press when typing. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for individuals who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer a smooth linear experience, but the Box CJ will give a slightly deeper feel compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is described as sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 also provides a clacky sound, but with a unique high-pitched characteristic that produces a sharp and crisp tone when pressed. Both switches cater to those who enjoy a distinct sound profile while typing, but the Lightning Silver V3 may offer a slightly higher-pitched sound compared to the Box CJ.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch is noted for its mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Conversely, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their feel, but the Lightning Silver V3 may offer a slightly smoother typing experience compared to the Box CJ.
Overall, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to individuals seeking a specific sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard switches. While the Box CJ presents a clacky sound and a mild typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a high-pitched sound and a silky-smooth feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve a customized typing experience. In general, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a smooth typing feel, either switch can deliver similar results based on your specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a swift response and higher-pitched clacks with a smooth push feel, the Box CJ may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what sounds and feels best to you as you type away on your mechanical keyboard.
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