Gateron Box CJ vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Box CJ and Outemu Crystal Brown offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the attributes of the CJ lineage with the swift characteristics of speed switches, making it ideal for those who seek rapid response. Typists can expect higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that provides a different typing experience. While not much information is provided about its features, tactile switches are known for providing feedback to typists, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Crystal Brown is that the Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing while the Crystal Brown has a nylon top housing. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, which are known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches have clear housings in their top housing materials due to the use of polycarbonate. This allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, giving users the option to customize their keyboards with colorful lighting effects. While both switches may provide similar results in terms of sound profile and key feel due to their common use of nylon bottom housings, the difference in their top housing materials will impact the overall typing experience. The Gateron Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing will offer a sharper sound when pressing down on keys, while the Outemu Crystal Brown's nylon top housing will provide a softer, more muted sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Crystal Brown will depend on individual preferences for typing sound and feel. The Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing will appeal to those seeking a crisper and more resonant typing experience, while the Crystal Brown's nylon top housing may be preferred by users looking for a quieter and more subdued sound profile. Both switches showcase the unique qualities that different housing materials can bring to a mechanical keyboard switch, allowing users to customize their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch are quite similar, with the Box CJ having a slightly heavier bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 55 grams. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. The weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider, as a lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods, while a heavier switch provides a more solid and substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will feel equally satisfying and responsive. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, so users can expect similar results in their typing experience. It is worth noting that both switches offer a comfortable and consistent typing experience with their matching 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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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 Gateron Box CJ linear switch is known for its higher-pitched clacks, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound. Moving on to feel, the Box CJ offers an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, categorized as mild in terms of typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the feel of the Crystal Brown switch, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Overall, if you are seeking a switch with a clacky sound profile and a smooth push feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for a tactile switch with unknown sound and feel qualities, exploring further information or testing it out personally would be necessary to determine its compatibility with your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value rapid response and a smooth, clacky typing experience, the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Crystal Brown switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what qualities matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Experiment with both switches to see which one feels more comfortable and responsive to your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
