Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is lauded for its swift characteristics and rapid response, making it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched clack and a smooth push feel. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 stands out for its crisper typing experience and frictionless feel, providing a polished and creamy typing experience. While the Box CJ offers a customizable unlubed option for enthusiasts, the New North Pole V2 maintains its smoothness without a rubber dampener. 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
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Box CJ utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the sharper and crisper sound profile of the top housing.
With the varying bottom housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron New North Pole V2, the feel and sound of typing on these switches will differ. The nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the keys, resulting in a more rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 emphasizes a sharper and clearer sound profile, creating a distinct typing feel. This split in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron New North Pole V2 will depend on personal preference for sound and feel when typing. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The Box CJ's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and clearer sound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to individual preference for the sound and feel they desire in their mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have some noticeable differences. The Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke with less effort. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box CJ requires 57 grams of force while the New North Pole V2 needs 62.5 grams, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range, offering a balance between comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gateron Box CJ, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gateron New North Pole V2.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that they both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a similar tactile feel and actuation point, making them ideal choices for those seeking a linear typing experience. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, ensuring that users will get comparable results regardless of which one they choose.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 linear switch is best described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This gives it a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized as offering a mild typing experience, which is gentle and approachable to most users. It strikes a balance between different characteristics, making it suitable for a wide range of preferences. As for the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, users can expect a sleek sensation when typing on these switches. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 is also described as creamy, providing a buttery and silky typing experience due to potential factory lubrication or specific materials used.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and mild typing feel, offering a swift and smooth experience for typists who prefer rapid response. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch prioritizes a polished and creamy typing sensation, with a focus on smoothness and refined key travel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and choosing between them would depend on personal preference for sound and feel. Whether you opt for the Box CJ or the New North Pole V2, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with Gateron switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams and prefer a swift, higher-pitched clack and smooth push feel, the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams and value a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel, the New North Pole V2 may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall sound and feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
