Gateron Box CJ vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ, a linear switch, to the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, there are clear differences in their characteristics and intended uses. The Box CJ is designed for those who value rapid response and a smooth push feel, resulting in higher-pitched clacks for typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Box CJ provides a clacky and mild typing experience, the Silent Grey switch focuses on satisfaction and silence. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silent Grey both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, despite both switches having the same top housing material, the overall typing experience may differ slightly due to other factors.
On the other hand, both the Box CJ and the Silent Grey switches have a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing material may have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key.
Although the Box CJ and the Silent Grey switches share similarities in their housing materials, it is important to note that the overall typing experience can be influenced by additional factors such as the stem and spring design. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housing in each switch can further impact the typing feel and sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, with the Box CJ providing a sharper sound profile and the Silent Grey offering a deeper sound experience.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams. Similarly, the Box CJ has a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Silent Grey is heavier at 65 grams. This means that the Box CJ provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Grey offers a more substantial push feel, catering to individuals who prefer a heavier typing experience for increased tactile feedback. Both switches provide different weight options to cater to varying preferences, ensuring that users can choose the level of force that suits their typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing 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 similarity ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key press feedback and typing experience. Whether you choose the Gateron Box CJ or the Outemu Silent Grey, you can expect a smooth and precise typing experience with a travel distance that remains constant throughout. In this case, the difference in travel distance is non-existent, making both switches equally suitable for those who prefer a 4 mm 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 Silent Grey 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 higher-pitched clacks, giving it a clacky sound profile that is crisp and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with no specific sound description provided. In terms of feel, the Box CJ switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Outemu Silent Grey switch does not have a description for feel provided.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a clacky sound profile and a smooth push feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switch may be more suitable. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes speed and responsiveness with a higher-pitched clack sound, a smooth push feel, and the option to customize lubrication to your liking, then the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, smooth keystroke, and a silent operation, then the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is the better choice for you. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both the Gateron Box CJ and Outemu Silent Grey switches offer unique features that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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