Gateron Box CJ vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the characteristics of the CJ lineage with the swift response of speed switches, making it ideal for those who require rapid typing. Typists can expect higher-pitched clacks and an exceptionally smooth push feel that allows for effortless typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is also a linear switch but lacks any distinct features like the Box CJ. However, it is known for its quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a noise-free typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on individual preferences and needs. 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and Outemu Silent Green both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing also makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Box CJ uses nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green has a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile compared to nylon.
Even though both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing, the Gateron Box CJ and Outemu Silent Green offer distinct characteristics due to their different bottom housing materials. While the Box CJ provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, the Silent Green delivers a clearer and sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and Outemu Silent Green will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Box CJ's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique deep and full sound, while the Silent Green's polycarbonate top and bottom housing deliver a sharper and clearer sound. Ultimately, both switches utilize the strengths of polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharp and resonant sound, but the difference in bottom housing materials allows for variations in sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Gateron Box CJ has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Outemu Silent Green, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Gateron Box CJ provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Outemu Silent Green offers a medium typing experience. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect similar responsiveness when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is 4 mm, the same as the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom. In comparison to other switches with shorter or longer travel distances, such as the Cherry MX Red with a 2 mm travel distance or the Cherry MX Blue with a 4 mm travel distance, both the Box CJ and Silent Green switches fall right in the middle. So, whether you choose the Gateron Box CJ or the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm when typing.
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 Silent 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 noise when typing, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing typists with a mild typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is not provided, making it challenging to directly compare the tactile experience of the two switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ and Outemu Silent Green linear switches appear to differ in their sound and feel qualities based on the available information. While the Box CJ is known for its clacky sound and smooth push feel, the characteristics of the Silent Green switch remain unknown. If a typist enjoys a clacky and higher-pitched sound with a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Box CJ may be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one is seeking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you should opt for the Box CJ if you prioritize rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and an impossibly smooth push feel. The Box CJ is also a great option if you prefer a clacky sound and a mild typing experience. On the other hand, you should choose the Silent Green if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a switch that is more neutral in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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