Gateron Box CJ vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry 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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry stand out as unique options. The Box CJ offers a linear experience with swift response times and higher-pitched clacks, providing typists with a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch with a sharp tactile bump, ideal for those who enjoy a sharp typing feel and a lower-than-average sound frequency. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both materials offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Box CJ incorporates a nylon material, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Blueberry also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, offering a similar deep and muted sound profile. Both switches showcase the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of typing, with nylon and POM providing their own unique characteristics to enhance the user's typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both excel in providing distinct sound profiles. Whether it be the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Box CJ or the deeper, more muted sound of POM in the Blueberry, each switch offers a unique typing experience. Both materials bring their own advantages to the table, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch with an actuation force of 55 grams, making the Box CJ easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box CJ requires 57 grams of force, while the Blueberry switch needs 80 grams, indicating that the Blueberry switch provides a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Box CJ would be the better choice, while the Blueberry switch would suit those who prefer a heavier push feel. In both cases, the actuation force and bottom out force differ, providing users with distinct typing experiences based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel when using either of these switches. Despite their equal travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to their different switch types - linear for the Gateron Box CJ and tactile for the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. Both switches are known for their smooth keypresses and durability, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 is known for its clacky and crisp sound profile, with a higher-pitched clack that provides a percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound, slightly deeper than average but not "thocky." Depending on personal preference, the Box CJ provides a sharp and snappy sound, while the Blueberry offers a mellow and clean auditory experience that may resonate more with some users.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing a mild and approachable typing experience for most users. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy and invigorating, featuring a sharp tactile bump that creates a reactive and lively typing sensation. Although the feel of these switches varies, both provide unique and satisfying typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ excels in providing a clacky sound and a smooth typing experience, while the Blueberry switch stands out with a low-pitched and snappy feel. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper typing feel with a snappy sound or a gentle and smooth typing experience, both switches can deliver a satisfying keyboarding experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a swift response and smooth push feel with a medium-light bottom out force, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump with a heavy bottom out force and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry could be the switch that suits you best. Consider how you value typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force when making your decision between these two distinct switches.
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