Gateron Box CJ vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Box CJ and the SP-Star Meteor White, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Box CJ is favored by those who prioritize rapid response and smooth keystrokes, offering a higher-pitched clack and an effortless gliding feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is known for its subdued and gentle nature, providing a soft type feel and a pitter-patter sound profile. While the Box CJ is described as 'Clacky' and 'Chirpy', the Meteor White is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Polished'. 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
57g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the SP-Star Meteor White, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity suggests that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to bottoming out keys.
However, the top housing of the Gateron Box CJ is made of polycarbonate, while the SP-Star Meteor White features a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in top housing material highlights contrasting sound characteristics between the switches, with the Box CJ offering a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the Meteor White's duller and rounder sound.
Overall, the choice of housing material for switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards. While both the Gateron Box CJ and the SP-Star Meteor White utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the contrasting top housing materials of polycarbonate and nylon result in different sound profiles. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound provided by polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound offered by nylon, both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have similar bottom out forces of 57 grams, making them both medium-light switches in terms of resistance. However, the Gateron Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Meteor White, which has an unknown actuation force. The lighter actuation force of the Gateron Box CJ may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the SP-Star Meteor White may provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same for both. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, users can expect similar results from both switches. While some linear switches may vary in their travel distance, the Gateron Box CJ and SP-Star Meteor White offer consistency in this aspect. Both switches provide a smooth and linear key press experience, making them ideal choices for those looking for a consistent and reliable typing or gaming experience with the same 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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a distinctive clacky sound profile, characterized by sharp and snappy keystrokes that have a crisp and percussive quality. In contrast, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a more subdued and gentle sound experience, with easy-to-push keys that produce a soft pitter-patter sound. Both switches have a neutral sound profile that makes them suitable for various typing environments, but the Box CJ leans towards a chirpy sound due to its higher-pitched clacks compared to the Meteor White's thocky nature.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch provides typists with an incredibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering a mild typing experience that strikes a safe middle ground. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch also offers a mild typing experience, characterized by easy-to-push keys and a polished finish that results in smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches prioritize a comfortable typing feel that appeals to a wide range of users, making them ideal choices for anyone seeking a gentle typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Box CJ excels in delivering a clacky sound profile and an incredibly smooth push feel, the Meteor White provides a more subdued sound and gentle typing experience with a polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference, as both offer quality attributes that cater to different typing preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a softer, more refined typing feel, both switches will provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value swift response and higher-pitched clacks, along with the option to customize lubrication to your liking, the Box CJ may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle, soft typing experience with a subdued sound profile and smooth key travel, the Meteor White switch would be a great option. Both switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, making them suitable for a wide range of typists. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preferences for typing sound, feel, and customization options.
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