Gateron Box CJ vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Box CJ is favored for its swift response and high-pitched clacks, offering an incredibly smooth typing experience that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a similar typing feel to the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Box CJ is described as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', the MX Silent Red is characterized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. Each switch offers unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, but ultimately the choice between them will depend on your specific needs 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is evident that they both feature a nylon material for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom housing material.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Gateron Box CJ uses a polycarbonate material while the Cherry MX Silent Red uses a nylon material. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice between these two materials comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel while typing.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Cherry MX Silent Red will depend on whether you prefer a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile or a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials. The Gateron Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who prefer a sharper sound with RGB lighting capabilities, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing is more suited for those seeking a deeper and fuller sound during typing sessions.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in that aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ is considered to be slightly heavier with 57 grams compared to the MX Silent Red, which is unknown. The Box CJ provides a medium-light typing experience, while the MX Silent Red's bottom out force remains a mystery. When considering weight, it's important to think about how long you'll be typing and whether you prefer a lighter or more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Box CJ. When it comes to typing or gaming, the shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red may appeal to those looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ may provide a more substantial and tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 offers a clacky experience with higher-pitched clacks that are crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch produces a muted sound profile that is softer and quieter, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Gateron Box CJ switch has a unique chirpy quality, while the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a thocky sound with a deep and satisfying tone. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also play a role in the overall sound produced by each switch.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a slightly heftier feel with a textured sensation that may be preferred by some users for its friction. Both switches offer a different typing experience in terms of feel, catering to individual preferences for smoothness and tactility.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ provides a clacky sound with a smooth push feel, while the MX Silent Red provides a muted sound with a slightly heftier and textured feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, both switches offer unique attributes that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches on various boards and keycaps will allow you to personalize your typing experience to your exact preferences, ensuring an enjoyable and satisfying result.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, you should consider your priorities in typing experience. If you seek a swift response with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel, the Box CJ would be your ideal choice. Additionally, if you prefer a switch that allows for customization in lubrication, the Box CJ provides flexibility in this aspect. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the MX Silent Red would be more suitable with its silent operation. The MX Silent Red maintains the classic MX Red feel while significantly reducing sound output, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value speed and customization or a silent and satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
