Gateron Box CJ vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Medium Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron Box CJ offers a linear switch with swift characteristics that cater to those who desire rapid response time. Typists can expect higher-pitched clacks and a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile boasts a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature that many typing enthusiasts appreciate. While the Box CJ is known for its neutral and clacky feel, the Medium Tactile is praised for its accented and stepped nature. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Medium Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the differences may lie in the design and construction of the housings themselves, impacting the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Box CJ and the Medium Tactile opt for nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, slight variations in the design and thickness of the housings could lead to subtle differences in typing feel and sound feedback.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Box CJ and the Medium Tactile switches are made of different materials, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how these housing materials interact with each other, keyboard enthusiasts can fine-tune their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch differ in weight. The Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Medium Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams with an unknown actuation force. Those looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods may prefer the Box CJ, while those in search of a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Medium Tactile. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Box CJ providing a medium-light touch and the Medium Tactile offering a medium-heavy touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. This can result in a similar typing experience for both switches, as the travel distance plays a crucial role in the overall feel and feedback of a mechanical keyboard. In comparison to other switches with varying travel distances, the Gateron Box CJ and Durock Medium Tactile offer a consistent typing experience with their identical travel distances.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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, giving typists a sharp and snappy experience with a crisp and bright percussive sound. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch features a jelly-like sound signature that is pronounced yet balanced. While the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps, the Box CJ offers a clacky sound while the Medium Tactile provides a unique jelly-like sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience with smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. The lack of factory lubing allows for a drier, raw expression of smoothness or gives enthusiasts the flexibility to customize the lubrication to their preferences. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is described as providing an accented tactile experience that is prominent yet balanced, not overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is also described as having a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages to the keystroke, offering a more mild tactile experience compared to a hypertactile switch.
Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Gateron Box CJ linear switch provides a clacky sound and a smooth push feel, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature and a pronounced yet balanced tactile experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, one may lean towards the Box CJ for a sharper sound and smoother feel, or towards the Medium Tactile for a unique sound signature and well-balanced tactility. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the typing experience for users seeking specific characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a swift typing experience with a clacky sound, the Box CJ may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound, the Medium Tactile switch may be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing needs.
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