Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Lotus both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the swift characteristics of speed switches with the high-pitched clacks of the CJ lineage, providing typists with a rapid response and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus is a linear switch with a medium weight of 50g bottom out and a bright, resonant sound, offering a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Chirpy', the Lotus falls under a different category. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you based on your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Lotus both utilize nylon for their bottom housing materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing is a classic choice that provides a timeless look. Both housing materials offer unique sound profiles, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ delivering a sharper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Lotus offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
When considering the impact of the bottom and top housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities each material brings to the switch will be split between the two components. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Lotus offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Lotus is the lighter of the two options. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience for users. However, the Box CJ has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Lotus's 50 grams, making it slightly more resistant to bottoming out. This difference in bottom out force may cater to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Lotus switch make it a suitable option for those looking for a smoother typing experience, while the Box CJ switch is better suited for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance when typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the HMX Lotus linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference may seem minor, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Lotus with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Gateron Box CJ. Both switches offer similar results in terms of functionality, but the slight variance in travel distance caters to different preferences in typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch is well-known for its higher-pitched, clacky sound profile that provides a crisp and bright acoustic experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a resonant and bouncy sound that adds a sense of delight to every keystroke. While the Box CJ provides a smoother push feel that glides effortlessly, the Lotus offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, enhancing the typing experience with a super bouncy feeling. Both switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Box CJ leaning towards a clacky and smooth experience, and the Lotus delivering a bouncy and resonant sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Lotus linear switches provide distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Choosing between the two will ultimately come down to personal preferences, with the Box CJ offering a clacky sound and smooth feel, while the Lotus provides a bouncy and resonant typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience that can be further customized and enhanced based on individual preferences and use cases. Ultimately, whether opting for the Gateron Box CJ or the HMX Lotus linear switch, users can expect a satisfying and responsive typing experience that meets their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ linear switch or the HMX Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a swift response and enjoy a higher-pitched clack sound, the Box CJ with its medium-light 57g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light 50g bottom out force and a bouncy, resonant sound with each keystroke, the Lotus switch might be more suited to your liking. Consider the type of typing experience you prefer, whether you lean towards a clacky and swift feel or a bouncy and bright sensation, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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