Gateron Box CJ vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Orange. The Gateron Box CJ is celebrated for its rapid response time and distinctive higher-pitched clacks, making it an enticing choice for typists who appreciate a lively typing experience and smooth keystrokes. With an unlubed design, users can also customize the feel by adding lubrication to their liking, offering a unique and adjustable tactile experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch revives the classic feel of its predecessor with modern enhancements, providing users with a reliable and satisfying typing experience. While both switches are categorized as linear, the MX Orange is known for its consistent feedback, ensuring a reliable performance that can withstand the rigors of intensive typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the Gateron Box CJ caters to those seeking a customizable and lively experience, while the Cherry MX Orange promises reliability and a refined touch. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and Cherry MX Orange switches, a significant distinction arises in the top housing composition. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which confers a sharper and crisper sound profile upon actuation. Polycarbonate's translucency also enhances the appearance of RGB lighting when utilized in keyboards, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize aesthetic effects in addition to functionality. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer material properties. This softer plastic absorption results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, while the Box CJ's polycarbonate top may produce a more resonant sound, the Cherry MX Orange's nylon top creates a warmer and rounder auditory experience.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Gateron Box CJ and Cherry MX Orange are equipped with nylon, which is consistent in its ability to absorb sound and offer a fuller typing experience. This shared lower housing material suggests that when it comes to bottoming out, users will experience a similar depth of sound, regardless of the different top housings. Thus, while the auditory characteristics differ when keystrokes are made, the performance during the bottoming-out phase will largely align, producing a satisfying tactile feedback that is common to the softer nylon material.
In terms of overall performance, the characteristics of the top and bottom housing materials contribute to how the switches feel and sound during use. The polycarbonate top of the Box CJ introduces a sharpness that contrasts with the fuller sound generated by its nylon bottom, making for a unique typing experience. In comparison, the Cherry MX Orange provides a more consistent roundness in sound due to its nylon top and bottom housing. Ultimately, while both switches may yield differing sound profiles when pressed, their nylon bottoms create a shared quality that influences the bottom-out feel positively for both models. To achieve similar results in sound dampening, the nylon material in both switches ensures an enjoyable and consistent experience at the point of bottoming out.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch differ notably in their actuation force. The Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 55 grams of the MX Orange, making the Box CJ a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the Box CJ features a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Cherry MX Orange has an unknown bottom out force, leaving it unclear how it compares in that regard. This lack of information on the MX Orange’s bottom out force prevents a comprehensive comparison for that particular aspect, but the heavier actuation force suggests that users seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the Cherry MX Orange. Ultimately, if you're looking for ease and comfort, the Gateron Box CJ is the lighter option, while the Cherry MX Orange is heavier, targeting those who like a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, both switches feature the same travel distance of 4 mm. This equivalence in travel distance means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress response when using either switch. Therefore, whether you opt for the Box CJ or the MX Orange, you can enjoy a consistent experience in terms of key travel, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a linear feel in their keyboard setup.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 delivers a distinct auditory profile characterized by higher-pitched clacks that resonate with clarity. This sharp, percussive sound can be enhanced or tempered depending on the choice of keycaps and the keyboard frame, making it suitable for a variety of environments. Overall, the Box CJ's sound is defined as clacky and chirpy, contributing to an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches do not have a specific sound profile provided, leaving their acoustic signature less defined compared to the Box CJ. However, it’s worth noting that their sound output will also depend on external factors such as the keyboard construction.
In terms of feel, the Box CJ is noted for its impossibly smooth push feel, gliding effortlessly without lubrication. This creates a mild typing experience, which is friendly to typists looking for an accessible switch with a gentle touch. With less friction, users can enjoy seamless keystrokes, making long typing sessions more comfortable. Unfortunately, no specific feel characteristics for the MX Orange switch are provided, leaving a gap in direct comparison, but it can be expected that their experience could vary significantly from the smoother push of the Box CJ.
In conclusion, while both switches present unique offerings, the Gateron Box CJ shines in sound and feel, providing an engaging auditory experience and a smooth typing sensation. The absence of specific auditory and tactile descriptions for the Cherry MX Orange switches makes it challenging to pinpoint how they compare directly. However, the Box CJ’s characteristics indicate that typists will have a notably vibrant and smooth experience, which may not be the case with the MX Orange if it does not share these same defined qualities. Those who prioritize sound and tactile feedback may find themselves more aligned with the Box CJ, while the MX Orange awaits further exploration to unveil its potential.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a responsive typing experience that feels effortlessly smooth and enjoy a more expressive sound profile, the Box CJ might be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 57 grams makes it suitable for rapid typing, while its clacky acoustics provide an engaging auditory sensation, making it perfect for both gaming and fast-paced typing tasks. Conversely, if you are drawn to a more neutral and balanced feel, or if you plan to use your keyboard in varied environments, the Cherry MX Orange switches could be more appealing. Their reissued version delivers a sought-after typing experience with enhanced characteristics, catering to users who appreciate reliability without a distinctive sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards a lively, customized experience with the Box CJ or prefer the classic, balanced approach of the MX Orange.
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