Gateron Box CJ vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Gateron Box CJ and the PH Studio Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is known for its swift and rapid response, providing typists with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched sound paired with a muted essence, creating a balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch is also designed for prolonged typing sessions with its accessible bottom-out weight and smooth keystrokes. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches both have unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Milk Tea uses a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both materials offer distinct sound qualities, with polycarbonate leaning towards a brighter sound while POM provides a darker tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Box CJ utilizes a nylon material known for creating a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Milk Tea employs a POM bottom housing, contributing to a deep and relatively muted sound profile. Despite using different materials, both switches offer a similar deep sound quality in their bottom housings. The choice between nylon and POM ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel when typing.
When considering the overall experience of typing on these switches, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. While the Box CJ and Milk Tea have different top and bottom housing materials, they both offer a unique typing experience with a focus on creating pleasing and distinct sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch differ in weight, with the Milk Tea being the lighter of the two. The Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea requires a lighter touch, with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for less fatigue over time. However, others may lean towards the heavier actuation force of the Box CJ for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Box CJ has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers for its faster response time. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being slightly shorter than usual. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers a clacky and crisp sound that is sharp and percussive, adding a lively element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted essence, striking a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. Depending on your preference for sound profiles, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch provides a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering typists a comfortable and consistent typing experience. While the feel of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is described as polished and silky, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Whether you prefer a gentle typing experience or a sleek and refined finish, both switches deliver on their promise of providing a satisfying tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box CJ provides a clacky sound and mild typing experience, the Milk Tea switch presents a high-pitched yet muted sound profile with a polished and silky feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style, as both options cater to different preferences and typing needs. However, in terms of overall quality, typists can expect similar results in terms of performance and customization options with either switch.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ linear switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and a medium-light bottom-out force, then the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom-out force, a unique auditory blend with a muted essence, and a switch designed for prolonged typing sessions with a smooth and refined finish, then the Milk Tea switch could be the better option. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics and features, so it would be wise to assess what matters most to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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