Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two top contenders stand out: the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Mars, both of which are linear switches that cater to different typist preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is celebrated for its swift response and high-pitched clacking sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize rapid typing and a tactile auditory feedback. Its impossibly smooth push feel and unlubed design offer users the chance to customize their experience, whether they prefer a raw expression of smoothness or the tailored sensation that comes from personal lubrication. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches introduce an innovative design with a POK stem and a housing created from a blend of Nylon and POM, which can enhance durability and smoothness, making it an appealing option for gamers and typists alike. While both switches promise a delightful typing experience, they cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and Gateron Mars switches both exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which greatly influence their sound profiles. The Box CJ utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, adding an element of clarity and resonance that is ideal for RGB lighting scenarios. In contrast, the Mars employs nylon as its top housing, contributing to a rounder and deeper sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. While both switches produce distinct sound signatures due to their differing materials, the contrasting natures of polycarbonate and nylon showcase how the choice of top housing can dramatically influence a switch's performance.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron Box CJ features a nylon composition that aligns with its top housing's qualities, contributing to the overall deep and fuller sound profile experienced while typing. The softness of the nylon allows it to absorb sound, effectively creating a more rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mars utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its bottom housing, which is known for producing a unique sound that leans toward the deeper spectrum. The POM material creates a pleasing yet muted sound signature that complements the nylon top housing, leading to a smooth typing experience. Thus, while both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, they each bring a sense of fullness to the typing experience, albeit through different textural and auditory routes.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches highlights how they affect the overall sound and feel during use. For the Gateron Box CJ, the stiffness of the polycarbonate top housing results in a brighter sound profile, while the soft nylon bottom adds depth. Conversely, the Gateron Mars balances the absorbent qualities of nylon with the unique characteristics of POM in a way that prioritizes a deeper sound. In considering these differences, it's essential to recognize that the combined qualities of both housing materials shape the typing experience—whether through the polycarbonate's resonant clarity or the nylon and POM's full-bodied depth—resulting in two distinct yet equally engaging switch options.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ and Gateron Mars linear switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to registering a keystroke. However, the comparison diverges when considering the bottom out force; the Box CJ has a bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a sturdier feel at the end of a key press. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, making it difficult to evaluate its overall resistance upon bottoming out. While both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation, the Box CJ is the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force, potentially making it more appealing for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, users who favor a lighter touch will find the actuation force of 45 grams in both switches to be suitable for extended typing or gaming without fatigue.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Gateron Mars linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press the Box CJ switch, you experience a more substantial depth during key presses, which can be appealing for those who favor a more tactile response. In contrast, the Mars switch, with its shorter travel distance, offers quicker actuation, making it suitable for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Thus, if you want a more pronounced feedback and a traditional feel, the Box CJ is the better choice, while the Mars caters to those looking for faster response times due to its reduced travel distance.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Gateron Box CJ switch delivers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its higher-pitched clacks and crisp sound profile. When typing, users will notice a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can be described as both bright and percussive. Additionally, a unique chirpy quality adds an intriguing sonic element, setting the Box CJ apart from many other switches. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch’s sound profile is currently unknown, making it difficult to draw direct auditory comparisons between the two. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound will still be influenced by the chosen keyboard construction, keycaps, and other elements.
In terms of tactile feel, the Gateron Box CJ is celebrated for its impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly with a mild typing experience. The smoothness, combined with its more gentle characteristics, creates a typing sensation that is approachable for both newcomers and experienced typists. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Gateron Mars switch remain unspecified. Without that information, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive comparison in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ switch offers a delightful combination of sound and feel with its clacky nature, mild typing experience, and exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who value rapid response and auditory feedback in their typing experience. The Gateron Mars switch, while designed with innovative materials, lacks available sound and feel descriptors for a complete analysis. For users exploring these switches, it’s likely that you will get similar results in terms of an engaging typing experience with both options, but the Box CJ clearly stands out in its well-defined qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, consider your preferences in both sound and feel for your typing experience. The Box CJ, with its medium-light force of 57 grams, is ideal if you value a responsive, smooth typing experience coupled with a distinctive clacky sound profile. This switch will appeal to you if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing and prefer a switch that can be customized with lubrication to tailor the experience to your liking. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more innovative design, the Gateron Mars, although lacking detailed specifications, can be a great option for those who appreciate the unique POK stem and the distinctive materials used in its housing. If you prioritize a distinct typographical style and a switch that stands out in terms of design over sound feedback, the Mars may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision boils down to whether you desire the customizable, sound-rich experience of the Box CJ or the innovative approach of the Mars switch.
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