Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Luciola both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is renowned for its swift characteristics and rapid response, appealing to typists who desire a higher-pitched clack and an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Luciola stands out for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a distinctive sound profile. While the Box CJ is described as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Luciola is characterized as 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'High-pitched'. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that may appeal to different users. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Luciola differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Box CJ's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing complements the top housing with a similar high-pitched sound profile.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Luciola both contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The use of polycarbonate in the Box CJ's top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, particularly well-suited for RGB lighting effects, while the INK blend in the Luciola's top housing offers a satisfying clacky sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola complements the top housing's high-pitched sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Luciola will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, with the Box CJ focusing on sharpness and clarity in sound, while the Luciola emphasizes a satisfying clacky sound profile. Whether you prefer the stiffer polycarbonate or the proprietary INK blend, both switches are engineered to provide a premium typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Luciola linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams, while the Luciola needs 60 grams, making the Luciola slightly heavier in this aspect as well. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Luciola leaning towards the heavier end of the spectrum. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may opt for the Box CJ for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may choose the Gateron Luciola for a stronger push feel. Although the Box CJ and Luciola have different actuation and bottom out forces, they both offer similar results in terms of functionality and performance.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Box CJ has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Luciola's 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and response of the keyboard. The longer travel distance of the Box CJ may provide a more satisfying and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Luciola can result in quicker key presses and may be favored by gamers or individuals looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel - whether it be a longer and more deliberate keystroke with the Box CJ or a shorter and snappier response with the Luciola.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing typists with a sharp and snappy auditory experience. This higher-pitched clack is distinct and adds a sense of rapid responsiveness to typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a mix of clacky and chirpy sounds, with a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart. The Luciola switches also feature a marbly, high-pitched sound, contributing to their bouncy and smooth typing feel. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard and keycaps, both switches offer different sound profiles to cater to individual tastes.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a snappy and buttery typing feel, making it super responsive and fluid. The Luciola switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing sensation. Whether you prefer a smoother glide or a snappier response, both switches have unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preference.
Overall, both the Gateron Box CJ and Luciola linear switches have their own distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a mild typing feel, while the Luciola switches offer a mix of clacky, chirpy, and marbly sounds along with a snappy and buttery typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. If you are looking for a swift response with a higher-pitched clack, the Box CJ may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a mix of unique sound profiles with a bouncy and smooth typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch could be the ideal choice for you, ensuring an enjoyable and personalized typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and a smooth push feel, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer eye-catching switches that glow in the dark, a smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique hollow sound profile, the Luciola switch could be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall aesthetic. Both switches have their own distinctive qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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