Gateron Box CJ vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between options like the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Purple RGB can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that stands out for its exceptional smoothness and swift responsiveness, ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quick keypress without any tactile feedback. With its higher-pitched clacks, this switch creates a unique auditory experience that may appeal to those looking for a lively sound profile. Furthermore, the unlubed nature of the Box CJ presents an opportunity for customization, allowing enthusiasts to tailor the feel and sound to their liking. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch provides a tactile experience, characterized by a distinct medium-strength bump that resonates with users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Developed in collaboration with keyboard aficionados, this switch is designed to deliver precision and satisfaction, making it a favorite for those who value tactile engagement in their typing. Ultimately, while the Box CJ offers a smoother and faster keystroke, the MX Purple RGB appeals to users who prefer tactile reassurance. 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
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 examining the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, a notable contrast becomes apparent in their top housings. The Box CJ utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a more resonant sound when a key is released. The translucency of polycarbonate also adds an aesthetic advantage, especially for users who utilize RGB lighting, as it enhances the light display. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results from nylon's softer plastic characteristics, which absorb sound rather than reflecting it, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when the key is released.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housings, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches utilize nylon for their constructions. As such, the bottom housing characteristics are effectively the same across both switches. The use of nylon at the bottom contributes to a deeper, richer sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound. This is particularly significant as the qualities of the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, leading to a tactile experience that is consistent for users regardless of whether they are utilizing the Box CJ or the MX Purple RGB.
The differing top housing materials lead to distinct auditory experiences when typing, but the similar bottom housings create common ground in terms of sound absorption and feel. Consequently, while the Box CJ's polycarbonate top enhances light transmission and clarity in sound release, the nylon material used in both switches ensures that the impact felt when bottoming out remains rich and satisfying. Users seeking sharper auditory clarity will appreciate the Box CJ's polycarbonate top, while those looking for a warm and deep sonido can find solace in the MX Purple RGB's nylon construction. Overall, while the two switches offer different profiles due to their top housings, the shared nylon bottom ensures essential sound absorption and tactile continuity.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there are both similarities and notable differences. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the Gateron Box CJ has a defined bottom out force of 57 grams, which contributes to its medium-light feel. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unspecified, leaving its feel at full depression ambiguous. As a result, while both switches are light and suitable for prolonged typing or gaming, users may find the Gateron Box CJ provides a slightly more consistent experience due to its defined weight profile. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch might appreciate both options, but the Gateron Box CJ is the only one with a clearer structure when it comes to the bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch boast an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either key, you will experience the same vertical movement, resulting in a similar feel during typing or gaming. Since the distance is the same for both switches, users can expect comparable tactile feedback and key response, regardless of which switch they choose. This uniformity in travel distance can lead to a consistent typing experience across devices equipped with either switch.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 higher-pitched clack that resonates with a crisp, bright tone, often characterized as clacky and percussive. This sharp sound can create a lively typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, there's a unique chirpy quality present in the clacking, adding a distinctive acoustic signature that can set these switches apart in a crowded keyboard landscape. In contrast, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch lacks a detailed audio description, it is commonly known to produce a sound profile that complements its tactile feedback, resulting in an overall more muted yet refined auditory output suitable for both home and office environments.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switches offer an impossibly smooth push that enhances the typing experience. They come unlubed, which can provide a drier, raw expression of this smoothness or offer a customizable base for those inclined to fine-tune their switches with personal lubrication preferences. This makes them ideal for enthusiasts looking for a specific tactile response. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch provides a refined tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump, which can be very satisfying to typists who enjoy a tactile element without excessive resistance. The combination of the bump and a smooth key travel contributes to an overall pleasantly engaging typing experience that is neither too harsh nor too soft.
In summary, both switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations catered to different preferences. The Gateron Box CJ excels in providing a sharper, more expressive auditory and tactile experience, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB is designed for those who appreciate a more refined and balanced typing feedback. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences; however, users can anticipate an engaging experience with both, driven by the unique qualities each switch offers.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch should be informed by your personal typing style and preferences. If you value a swift, smooth response with a medium-light force of 57 grams, and enjoy the act of typing producing higher-pitched clacks, then the Box CJ may be your ideal choice. Its unlubed nature offers a raw and customizable experience, perfect for enthusiasts who wish to personalize their switches. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile feedback with a defined bump and a more refined typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches would suit you better. They are designed for those who appreciate tactile sensations that enhance the typist's experience, especially for gaming or typing scenarios that benefit from clear actuation feedback. Ultimately, choose the Gateron Box CJ for speed and smoothness, or the Cherry MX Purple RGB for tactile pleasure, and let your keyboard experience blossom based on these distinctive characteristics.
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