Gateron Box CJ vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Red mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they both belong to the linear switch category, offering a smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback. The Gateron Box CJ is renowned for its swift characteristics of speed switches, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize rapid response times. Typists can expect higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch does not have any standout features but provides a standard linear typing experience. While the Gateron Box CJ offers customization options with unlubed switches, the Outemu Red does not boast any unique characteristics. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Red switches, we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, as well as its clear translucency which is ideal for RGB lighting. This results in a crisper sound overall, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. However, while both switches share this similarity in their top housing material, they differ in their bottom housings. The Box CJ features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Red also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Red switches contributes to a deeper and more full-bodied sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound than harder plastics. This difference in material for the bottom housings of the switches highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience, with nylon providing a unique acoustic quality that enhances the user's tactile feedback. Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable choices for those who appreciate a more subdued typing sound.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials in a switch can affect the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. The bottom housing material, such as nylon, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and the overall feel of pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material, like polycarbonate, will influence the sound produced when letting go of a key. By understanding how these housing materials interact with key presses, users can customize their typing experience to suit their preferences, whether they prioritize a clear, resonant sound or a deeper, fuller tone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the Box CJ is lighter in both aspects. The Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, with the Box CJ being slightly lighter overall. The actuation force is crucial for determining the initial typing response, while the bottom out force reflects the overall typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Box CJ for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may lean towards the slightly heavier feel of the Outemu Red for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight considerations.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Red linear 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 experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This can result in a similar typing experience in terms of key travel and responsiveness. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with 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 Outemu Red 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 distinctive clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving typists an audibly satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Moving on to the feel, the Box CJ linear switch offers a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing typists with a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. The exact feel of the Outemu Red linear switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch presents a distinctive clacky sound profile and a mild typing experience. On the other hand, information about the sound and feel of the Outemu Red linear switch is not provided, making it challenging to make a direct comparison. However, based on the characteristics of the Box CJ switch, typists who prefer a smooth and clacky typing experience may find the Gateron Box CJ linear switch to be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference and individual typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize a swift response and smooth feel with a medium-light bottom out force, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and mild feel, the Outemu Red may be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should depend on what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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