Gateron Box CJ vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silver both offer unique features for different preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the attributes of the CJ lineage with the swift characteristics of speed switches, providing typists with rapid response and higher-pitched clacks. The smooth push feel of the Box CJ is effortlessly gliding, making it a popular choice for those who value precision and speed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is a linear switch with no specific standout features mentioned. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', the Silver's category is unspecified. However, the Silver switch may appeal to those who prefer a more understated switch experience. When considering which switch to choose, it is important to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch beyond these generalities to determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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 housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silver both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Similarly, both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
Despite both switches sharing polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, the distribution of these materials within the switch differs. With the Box CJ, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ will influence the sound when releasing a key. The same can be said for the Outemu Silver, where the bottom housing's characteristics will be more noticeable during typing, while the top housing will affect the sound during key release.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Silver showcase how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the acoustics and feel of a mechanical switch. While both switches offer similar sound profiles due to the shared use of polycarbonate and nylon, the distribution of these materials within the switch results in nuanced differences in sound and feel during typing. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with clearer resonance or a deeper, fuller sound with more absorption, understanding how housing materials interact can help you choose the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Box CJ has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it lighter than the Silver, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Box CJ will provide a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Silver. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users will get a similar initial feel when typing, but the difference in bottom out force will affect how it feels to fully press down the key. Some may prefer the lighter feel of the Box CJ for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier push of the Silver for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience and overall feel of the switches will be similar, providing consistent feedback for users. The identical travel distance of 4mm ensures that regardless of whether one chooses the Box CJ or the Silver switch, they will receive consistent results in terms of key travel and actuation.
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 Silver 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 switch is well-known for its high-pitched clacks, giving it a distinctively clacky sound profile that is sharp and snappy. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch's sound profile is unknown, but keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. When it comes to feel, the Box CJ switch offers an incredibly smooth push feel that is often described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that caters to a wide range of users. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silver switch is not specified. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a clacky sound and smooth push feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch might be the ideal choice. If the Outemu Silver switch offers similar characteristics, you can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ linear switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you are seeking a faster response time and a smoother push feel with a medium-light bottom out force, the Gateron Box CJ may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Silver could be a better fit. Consider your typing style and desired key feel when making your decision between these two switches.
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