Gateron Box CJ vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Milk Tea 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 Outemu Milk Tea offer unique experiences for typists. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the swift characteristics of speed switches with the hallmark attributes of the CJ lineage, providing rapid response and higher-pitched clacks. Typists can enjoy an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, whether opting for the unlubed version for a drier, raw expression of smoothness or customizing the lubrication to their exacting standards. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch that brings a different typing experience. While not much information is provided about its specific features, tactile switches typically provide a noticeable bump during actuation, giving typists a tactile feedback that some find more satisfying. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Milk Tea switches both feature polycarbonate top housing, providing a bright and sharp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Box CJ creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, perfect for enhancing RGB lighting effects. In comparison, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing also offers a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks while typing. Despite both switches using polycarbonate, the slightly different formulations may lead to subtle variations in sound and feel.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Box CJ and the Milk Tea switches utilize nylon material, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Box CJ's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound during typing. Similarly, the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a different tactile experience than the top housing. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may vary based on the switch design and construction.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Milk Tea switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience. The split between top and bottom housings allows for distinct qualities in sound and feel when pressing down or releasing a key. Whether you prefer a sharper and resonant sound profile of polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound produced by nylon, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired sound and tactile feedback during use.
Weight
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience when initially pressing the key. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires a heavier force of 57 grams compared to the Milk Tea, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Box CJ switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a firmer push feel. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch may be lighter in terms of bottoming out, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired weight and feel of the typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is clear that both will provide a similar experience in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. This means that users can expect consistent feedback and feel when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. Overall, the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is the same, providing a smooth and uniform typing experience for users.
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 Milk Tea 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 clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Box CJ offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that most typists will find approachable. The Milk Tea's tactile feel is unknown. Overall, if you enjoy a clacky sound and a mild typing experience, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a different sound profile or tactile feedback, it is recommended to explore other options to find the switch that best suits your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that offers rapid response, smooth gliding, and higher-pitched clacks, the Box CJ may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a gentle typing experience and are indifferent to bottom out force, the Milk Tea could be the more suitable option. Consider your priorities in sound, feel, and overall typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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