Gateron Box CJ vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Mint both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the swift characteristics of speed switches with the attributes of the CJ lineage. Typists can enjoy higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. This switch comes unlubed, allowing for personal customization of lubrication. On the other hand, the KTT Mint is a linear switch known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. With a light and fleeting typing experience, the Mint offers a polished sensation. 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
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Mint both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall keyboard aesthetic. With both switches incorporating polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics when compared side by side.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Box CJ and the Mint feature nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize this material. This allows for a more substantial typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Despite the difference in top housing material, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a similar typing experience and sound profile in this regard.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Mint feature different materials, each housing brings unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches, while the top housing material impacts the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of characteristics between the top and bottom housings allows for a dynamic typing experience, with users able to appreciate the combined effects of both materials in creating a well-rounded sound profile. Overall, the choice of housing materials in both switches contributes to a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Box CJ has a slightly higher bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Mint's 53 grams. This makes the Box CJ the heavier of the two switches in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mint may be the preferable option as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Box CJ due to its higher bottom out force. In general, the actuation force and bottom out force of both switches fall within the medium-light range, providing a good balance for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Mint linear 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 amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users can expect consistent results when typing or gaming with either switch. The travel distance of 4 mm for both switches is relatively standard for linear switches, providing a smooth keystroke experience without any tactile feedback. In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ and KTT Mint linear switches offer the same travel distance, making them both great options for those seeking a consistent typing or gaming experience.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 switch is known for its clacky and higher-pitched clacks, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch offers a low-pitched and more mellow tone, creating a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, but with their unique characteristics that set them apart in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Box CJ and KTT Mint switches are described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone. However, the Box CJ switch is noted for its impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, while the Mint switch is noted for its satisfyingly smooth linear feel and poppy thockiness due to the long pole stem. Additionally, the Mint switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ switch is ideal for those who seek rapid response and a clacky sound profile, along with an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a light and fleeting feel, along with a low-pitched and mellow sound profile. Both switches provide a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer high-quality performance in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch that offers rapid response and a higher-pitched clack sound, along with a smooth push feel, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a satisfyingly smooth feel, a poppy thock sound, and a lighter typing experience, the Mint might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to try them out and see which one aligns best with your typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
