Gateron Box CJ vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the attributes of the CJ lineage with speed switch characteristics, offering a rapid response and higher-pitched clacks for typists. It provides an exceptionally smooth push feel that can be customized with lubrication to meet individual preferences. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch known for its quiet typing experience and satisfying "thocky" sound. It features a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. While the Box CJ is ideal for those seeking a fast and smooth typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade is perfect for users looking for a tactile switch with a quieter typing sound. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both have nylon bottom housings, which means they will both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. However, the Box CJ has a polycarbonate top housing, giving it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a nylon top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in top housing material will impact the sound when pressing down on a key and when letting go of a key, with the Box CJ providing a more clear and resonant sound when released.
In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing does not offer this feature. On the other hand, both switches share the benefit of using nylon in the bottom housing, which helps absorb sound and create a deeper sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material will contribute to a similar typing experience in terms of the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade will largely depend on personal preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics. If you prefer a switch with a sharper and crisper sound profile, as well as the option for RGB lighting, the Box CJ may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a duller and rounder sound profile, the Silent Yellow Jade may be more suitable. Both switches offer a quality typing experience due to their nylon bottom housing, ensuring a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the top housing material.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the Box CJ is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Box CJ provides a lighter typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow Jade, which offers a more substantial push feel. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation force, but the Silent Yellow Jade requires more force to bottom out, making it a better choice for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose will depend on personal preference for typing pressure and endurance during long typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Box CJ offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better option for those who prefer a deeper feeling when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Box CJ providing a more traditional deeper feel and the Silent Yellow Jade offering a shallower press for quicker actions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for 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 Yellow Jade 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 offers a clacky and higher-pitched typing experience, producing sharp and percussive sounds when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quiet and "thocky" sound, which is satisfying and satisfyingly tactile as well. The Box CJ switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more lively and energetic typing sound, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch caters to individuals seeking a quieter and more tactile typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch boasts an impossibly smooth push feel that effortlessly glides with a mild typing experience. This switch falls in the safe middle ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. Conversely, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch is currently unknown. However, based on the description of a punchy tactile bump, it can be inferred that this switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the smooth linear feel of the Box CJ.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities catering to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Box CJ provides a clacky and higher-pitched sound with an impossibly smooth push feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In summarizing the comparison between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider your personal preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a swift and smooth typing experience with higher-pitched clacks, the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value speed and smoothness or quietness and tactility in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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