Gateron Box CJ vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Brown offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is praised for its rapid response and smooth push feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and precision in their typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown is all about subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the Box CJ provides a clacky and neutral typing experience, the MX Brown offers a textured and low-pitched feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Brown, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The similarities in this aspect of the housing materials show that both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Box CJ stands out with its polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite their difference in material, both top housings aim to enhance the overall sound experience of typing on the switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Brown comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials, such as stiffer polycarbonate in the Box CJ and softer nylon in the MX Brown, they ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon, both switches offer excellent options for those looking for high-quality mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch are the same at 45 grams, making them both relatively light compared to other switches on the market. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Gateron Box CJ requires a heavier 57 grams compared to the Cherry MX Brown's 55 grams. This means that the Gateron switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. Both switches offer a medium-light actuation force, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired amount of force feedback during typing.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider for individuals who prefer a certain level of keypress feedback and actuation distance. In this case, both switches offer the same travel distance, so users can expect to get similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 linear switch offers a clacky and higher-pitched audio feedback, giving typists a sharp and snappy sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch provides a subtler, bassy and low-pitched sound profile, creating a quieter typing experience overall. The choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, with the Box CJ catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced and crisp auditory response, while the MX Brown appeals to individuals seeking a quieter and more subdued typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch boasts an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering typists a mild and gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is described as providing a textured feeling, which can range from a subtle friction to a noticeable scratchiness when pressed. This difference in feel caters to different typing preferences, with the Box CJ offering a smoother and more seamless typing experience compared to the slightly textured sensation of the MX Brown.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ provides a clacky sound with an incredibly smooth push feel, appealing to those looking for a more pronounced auditory response and a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown offers a subtler and quieter sound profile with a textured feel, catering to individuals who prefer a gentler tactility and a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both switches delivering excellent performance in their respective attributes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and needs. If you are someone who values rapid response, smooth keystrokes, and a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile feedback, light typing experience, and a more subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown could be the perfect fit. Consider factors like sound profile, typing feel, and bottom out force when making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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