Gateron Box CJ vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Piano are two highly sought-after linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is renowned for its rapid response and higher-pitched clacks, perfect for typists who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to its proprietary material blend. While the Box CJ is 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', the Piano is 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different user preferences; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Piano switches offer unique characteristics that result in varying sound profiles. The Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a satisfying and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Box CJ's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder tone. On the other hand, the Piano's POM blend bottom housing also contributes to a deep and satisfying sound profile, though the exact details of the blend remain unknown.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Box CJ and Durock Piano switches differ in material, they both aim to enhance the overall sound experience. The translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ is ideal for RGB lighting and creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the POM blend top housing of the Piano offers a uniquely satisfying sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ elicits a deeper sound profile, while the POM blend bottom housing of the Piano contributes to a deep and satisfying sound. Despite the differences in materials used, both switches prioritize delivering a high-quality sound experience to users.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound of a switch, it becomes clear that each component plays a crucial role. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether nylon or a POM blend, significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. In contrast, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate or a POM blend, has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. While the Gateron Box CJ and Durock Piano switches may utilize different housing materials, the end result is a key feel and sound experience carefully crafted for optimal performance and satisfaction.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch to the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that they have noticeable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy typing feel. While the Gateron Box CJ offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions and gaming, the Durock Piano switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Piano linear switches have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance of 4mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth. Overall, the travel distance of both the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock Piano linear switches is the same, providing consistency in tactile feedback for users.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. This characteristic gives typists a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Depending on personal preference and setup, the choice between a clacky or bassy sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is praised for its mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This mild feel presents a safe, middle-ground zone that is approachable to most typists. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as frictionless and silky, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Typists who prioritize a smooth and fluid typing feel may prefer the Durock Piano for its silky and frictionless characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and Durock Piano linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gateron Box CJ provides a clacky sound profile and mild feel, while the Durock Piano offers a bassy sound profile and silky, frictionless feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, newcomers to mechanical keyboards may find that either switch meets their specific needs. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, and selecting between the two will result in a satisfying typing experience with similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize speed and a lighter touch, the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. The higher-pitched clacks and smooth push feel cater to those seeking rapid response and customization options. On the other hand, if you value a pleasant typing experience with a deep, creamy sound, the Durock Piano switch could be more to your liking. The proprietary material blend of the Piano offers a unique typing sensation that is frictionless and silky smooth. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a medium-light switch with a clacky sound like the Box CJ or a medium-heavy switch with a bassy sound like the Piano. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and priorities.
Mentioned in this article
