Gateron Box CJ vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Oreo are two popular choices each offering unique features. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch designed for those who value speed and rapid response, providing a higher-pitched clack and an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, creating a satisfying keystroke experience. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Oreo is characterized as 'Accented', 'Chirpy', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, 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
55g
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
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
Housing materials
The key difference between the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Oreo lies in their bottom housing materials. The Box CJ features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Oreo employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic nature. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights how different plastics can impact the overall sound produced by a switch.
While the top housing of both the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Oreo are made from polycarbonate, they are likely to produce a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in switch housings creates a more resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, the top housing material plays a crucial role in defining the overall user experience of a switch. Both switches are likely to offer a satisfying typing experience with their polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Oreo contribute significantly to the sound and feel of the switches. The contrast between the softer nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ and the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo showcases how different plastics can impact the sound profile of switches. Additionally, the similarity in the top housing material highlights the importance of polycarbonate in creating a clear and resonant sound profile for switches that use RGB lighting. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ is slightly heavier at 57 grams compared to the Oreo's 55 grams. This means that while both switches have a similar light actuation force, the Box CJ will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Box CJ may be the better option. On the other hand, if a lighter typing experience is preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Oreo may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar tactile feel and response when typing or gaming on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. In terms of travel distance, neither one is shorter or longer than the other, providing a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a 4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron Box CJ or the Everglide Oreo, you can expect a reliable and consistent typing experience due to their identical travel distances.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 higher-pitched noise, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch offers a more subtle and mellow sound, providing a quieter and less intense typing experience. Both switches have a unique acoustic signature, with the Box CJ being more distinct in its clackiness while the Oreo offers a softer tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering a unique typing experience that is both responsive and comfortable. The Everglide Oreo switch, on the other hand, features a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This provides a satisfying keystroke with a medium light tactility, striking a balance between tactile feedback and comfort. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Box CJ focusing on smoothness and the Oreo on a balanced tactility.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and Everglide Oreo switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Box CJ excels in providing a clacky and smooth typing experience, ideal for those who value speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Oreo switch focuses on a tactile and cushioned feel, perfect for typists who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feedback. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. If one enjoys a sharper sound and smoother feel, the Box CJ is the way to go, while the Oreo provides a softer sound and more tactile sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ linear switch or the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your preferred typing experience. If you prioritize speed and smoothness in your keystrokes, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. Its swift characteristics and higher-pitched clacks provide a unique typing sensation that is both responsive and effortless. On the other hand, if you crave a more tactile and cushioned typing experience with a satisfying bump at the top, then the Oreo switch is the way to go. Its medium-light tactility strikes a perfect balance between comfort and feedback, offering a delightful typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value speed and smoothness or tactile feedback and comfort in your mechanical keyboard.
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