Gateron Box CJ vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Ocean offer distinct experiences for typists seeking different qualities. The Gateron box CJ is a linear switch that combines the attributes of the CJ lineage with the swift characteristics of speed switches, providing a rapid response for users. With higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel, typists can enjoy a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience, categorized as clacky, mild, neutral, chirpy. While the Box CJ is best for those seeking speed and smoothness, the Ocean may appeal to typists looking for a tactile and slightly more nuanced feel. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Ocean feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This quality makes them ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal. However, the switch housings differ in their bottom materials. The Box CJ utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing for similar sound qualities.
While both switches share similar characteristics in their housing materials, the impact of these materials on the overall typing experience is divided between the top and bottom housings. When using the Box CJ or the Outemu Ocean, the bottom housing material will influence the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, creating a unique typing experience. The top housing material, in contrast, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, adding another dimension to the auditory feedback. Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
In summary, the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Ocean both showcase the benefits of polycarbonate top housings in creating a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, albeit in slightly different ways. While the distribution of housing materials may influence the typing experience in unique ways, both switches offer a reliable and enjoyable typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. Whether opting for the Box CJ or the Outemu Ocean, users can expect a premium typing experience that is complemented by the quality of the housing materials used in these switches.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch is lighter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch in terms of actuation force, with 45 grams compared to 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it's difficult to directly compare in that aspect. The Box CJ provides a medium-light actuation force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Ocean switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and predictable key press experience due to their identical travel distances. This similarity ensures that users will receive comparable results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Ocean 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 renowned for its higher-pitched clacks that produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Box CJ offers an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Ocean switch remains unknown, leaving a clear distinction between the two switches in terms of tactile feedback. Overall, while the Box CJ excels in providing a clacky sound and mild feel, the Ocean switch's subjective qualities remain a mystery, making it challenging to determine how it would compare to the Gateron Box CJ. However, if the Ocean switch were to have similar characteristics to the Box CJ, users could expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a swift response and smooth push feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a moderate sound profile and actuation force, the Ocean switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style and what attributes are most important to you when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Mentioned in this article
