Gateron Box CJ vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Green 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 Outemu Green offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the rapid response of speed switches with the smooth push feel characteristic of the CJ lineage. Typists will appreciate the higher-pitched clacks and the option to customize the lubrication to their liking. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch that provides a tactile and auditory feedback with each key press. While the Box CJ is described as clacky, mild, neutral, and chirpy, the Green falls under a different category altogether. Both switches have their unique advantages; let's delve 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
65g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Green, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal, providing a similar experience when typing on either switch.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Box CJ features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Green also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, ensuring similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The split between the top and bottom housing materials highlights how each component contributes to the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the switch.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing materials can affect the user experience in different ways, with both the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Green offering a unique balance between the top and bottom housing materials to create a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch to the Outemu Green clicky switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in weight. The Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where lighter keypresses are desired. In contrast, the Green switch is much heavier, with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and pronounced typing experience for those who prefer a heavier feel while typing. Overall, the Box CJ offers a lighter touch, while the Green switch delivers a heavier and more tactile typing experience, catering to different preferences in keypress weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that whether you are using the Box CJ or the Green switch, you will experience a similar key press feel in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent travel distance, resulting in a familiar typing experience for users. This makes them suitable choices for those looking for a specific key press feel without having to worry about differences in travel distance.
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 Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is known for its clacky and higher-pitched sound profile, providing typists with a sharp and snappy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch lacks a specific description, making it difficult to compare the sound qualities between the two switches. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel that is described as mild, providing typists with a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Unfortunately, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Outemu Green clicky switch, making it challenging to directly compare the tactile experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile and a mild typing experience with a smooth push feel, making it a suitable choice for those seeking rapid response and a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch lacks specific descriptions for sound and feel, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. It is important for newcomers to consider their preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure they select the option that best suits their needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a swift and smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, then the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is the way to go. The higher-pitched clacks and effortless push feel make it a great choice for those seeking rapid response and customization options. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom out force and a sharp, snappy sound profile, the Outemu Green clicky switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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