Gateron Box CJ vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), there are key differences to take into account. The Box CJ is a linear switch that offers a swift and smooth typing experience, ideal for those seeking rapid response and higher-pitched clacks. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a tactile switch known for its sharp and distinct tactile feel, providing a premium typing experience with strong downstroke and upstroke bumps. While the Box CJ is characterized by its 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Neutral' feel, the Moyu Black is 'Accented', 'Resonant', and 'Sharp'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, making it important to consider your typing preferences and needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant tone. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) boasts a PBT top housing, providing a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. While the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a more understated aesthetic appeal with its PBT top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Box CJ utilizes a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper tones of the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) incorporates a PBT bottom housing, which also provides a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. This consistency in sound profile between the top and bottom housings of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) sets it apart from the Box CJ, where the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the overall sound experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will depend on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetic appeal. While the Box CJ offers a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a more neutral sound profile with its PBT top and bottom housings. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to the individual user's preferences in terms of sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch with a force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams which is lighter than the Moyu Black's 67 grams. The Box CJ provides a medium-light typing experience while the Moyu Black offers a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Box CJ for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Moyu Black for a more intense typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance before the key actuates. This similarity can result in a consistent typing experience across both switches. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that provides a satisfying typing feel for users.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 switch is known for its clacky and neutral sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch is characterized as resonant, offering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. Depending on personal preference and other factors such as keyboard and keycaps, typists can enjoy either the crisp and bright sound of the Box CJ or the clean and sharp sound of the Moyu Black.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch provides a mild typing experience with a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black switch offers an accented and sharp tactile feedback, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming yet distinct with each keypress. Typists can choose between the approachable and safe middle-ground feel of the Box CJ or the pronounced tactility of the Moyu Black based on their preference for typing feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ is characterized by its clacky sound and mild feel, catering to those who seek a smoother typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch stands out for its resonant sound and sharp tactile feedback, providing a premium typing experience with a unique blend of PBT housing. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing feel, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ linear switch or the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, you should first consider your typing preferences. If you prioritize rapid response and smooth typing experience with a medium-light feel, the Box CJ would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a strong tactile feel with an accentuated bottom-out and medium-heavy actuation force, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and neutral sound profile, the Box CJ would be a good fit, whereas if you prefer a resonant sound profile, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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