Gateron Box CJ vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Box CJ and the Haimu Orange Sea offer distinct experiences tailored to diverse typing preferences. The Gateron Box CJ stands out with its unique combination of a higher-pitched clack and an incredibly smooth push feel, perfect for those who favor speed and rapid response. With its unlubed design, this switch allows keyboard enthusiasts to customize the tactile experience to their liking, appealing to those who enjoy personalization. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea provides an impressively smooth typing sensation, paired with a neutral sound signature that many users find invigorating. Its more accentuated feedback makes it suitable for typists who crave a balance between a satisfying click and an unobtrusive auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user needs; while the Box CJ is ideal for fast-paced typists seeking a lively typing experience, the Orange Sea excels with a serene and smooth 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
37g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize similar materials in their housing compositions, featuring polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. Both switches leverage the properties of polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This characteristic results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the overall auditory experience of typing. Users who prioritize RGB lighting will appreciate this similarity, as both switches' clear top housings allow for optimal light diffusion, creating an aesthetically pleasing glow that enhances the keyboard's visual dynamics.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is crafted from nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller impact during key presses. The inherent softness of nylon facilitates a more muted sound profile compared to the sharper qualities of polycarbonate. This combination of materials implies that while both switches will yield a similar outcome in terms of the sound emitted during activation, there will be a notable distinction. The typing feel and bottom-out sound will be influenced primarily by the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a more rounded auditory signature as users engage with the switch.
In considering how these materials affect the overall experience, it is crucial to note that the top housing will primarily dictate the sound produced upon releasing a key, while the bottom housing's characteristics shape the initial impact sound and tactile feedback when a key is pressed down. The Gateron Box CJ and Haimu Orange Sea, by employing the same materials, will share many auditory qualities, yet the interaction between the two distinct materials will ensure that each switch remains unique in sound and feel. Consequently, while users can expect similar auditory outcomes from both switches due to their housing components, the overall typing experience will still reflect the nuanced differences brought by the individual housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box CJ features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, positioning it in the medium-light category, while the Orange Sea presents a lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. As a result, the Orange Sea is the lighter switch overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where less fatigue is desired. In contrast, the heavier force of the Box CJ may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, offering a firmer feedback with each keystroke. Therefore, those seeking a light touch might favor the Haimu Orange Sea, while those who appreciate a stronger push would likely opt for the Gateron Box CJ.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a fuller keystroke experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, aligning with the current trend towards quicker response times favored by gamers. The Box CJ's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, giving a sense of depth that some users find comforting. On the other hand, the Orange Sea's shorter travel distance promotes responsiveness, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios where each keystroke counts. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch with a deeper and richer feel, the Gateron Box CJ would be the better choice, whereas those seeking speed and rapid activation might prefer the Haimu Orange Sea.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Box CJ switch is characterized by its clacky and bright auditory signature, producing a sharp and percussive noise upon actuation. This higher-pitched clack may appeal to those who favor a more engaging acoustic experience when typing. Additionally, there's a chirpy quality that adds a unique charm to the sound, enhancing the overall auditory appeal. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches possess a neutral sound signature, though specific details beyond this descriptor remain unknown. As such, the Orange Sea is likely to provide a more subdued auditory experience, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ offers an incredibly smooth experience that glides effortlessly without any lubing, marking it as a standout choice for typists who prioritize a simple, fluid typing sensation. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches deliver a more invigorating feel, described as moderately tactile with pronounced feedback. This type of sensation is neither overly aggressive nor too subtle, making the Orange Sea a viable option for those who enjoy a tactile response in their typing experience. The smoothness of the Box CJ may lead to efficiencies in rapid typist needs, while the Orange Sea's invigorating response can energize the typing process.
In summary, the Gateron Box CJ and Haimu Orange Sea switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences to typists and gamers alike. The Box CJ excels in delivering a lively sound profile with its clacky and chirpy characteristics, alongside an impressively smooth push feel, making it ideal for those seeking speed and engagement. Conversely, the Orange Sea's neutral sound and invigorating tactile feedback cater to a different audience, one that values a balanced typing sensation with moderate actuation responsiveness. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, as each offers its own unique benefits.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you favor a slightly stronger spring with a bottom-out force of 57 grams and appreciate a clackier sound profile that enhances the feedback of your typing, the Box CJ is an excellent choice. Its unique unlubed texture lends itself to a smooth yet raw typing experience that certain enthusiasts may prefer or modify to their liking. It’s particularly well-suited for fast-paced typists or gamers who thrive on quick responses and crisp acoustics. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Orange Sea's 45-gram bottom-out force provides an effortlessly smooth and neutral feel that can be beneficial for long typing sessions or casual use. The Orange Sea switches are ideal for users who enjoy a subtler sound and a more pronounced tactile feedback without going overboard. In summary, consider the Box CJ for its snappy and invigorating feel, especially if you're looking for a switch that stands out acoustically, while the Orange Sea is your go-to for a smooth, lighter touch suitable for extended use.
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