Gateron Box CJ vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and KTT Purple Click offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that combines the swift characteristics of speed switches with the higher-pitched clacks of the CJ lineage, providing typists with a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch also known as Purple Sauce, offers a satisfyingly high-pitched click, light keystrokes, and pronounced tactility for a perfect balance. While the Box CJ is categorized as clacky, mild, neutral, chirpy, the Purple Click is categorized as crunchy, invigorating, resonant, stepped. Each switch offers unique advantages depending on individual preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Purple Click both feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housing of these switches creates a more resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the overall typing experience. With both switches having the same material for their top housing, users can expect similar acoustic properties and aesthetics when typing on either switch.
However, the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Purple Click differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Box CJ utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Purple Click. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a variation in typing feel and sound between the two switches.
In summary, while both the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Purple Click share the same polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. The use of nylon in the Box CJ's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing may offer a slightly different typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the typing sound and feel that each housing material brings to the table.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch's 40 grams, making the Purple Click the lighter of the two. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Box CJ requiring 57 grams and the Purple Click needing 55 grams. This means that while the actuation force may feel slightly different between the two switches, the typing experience when fully pressing down a key will be quite similar. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Purple Click may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Box CJ. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. Users of both switches can expect a consistent feel when typing, as the travel distance is the same for both. This similarity in travel distance allows for a smooth typing experience, ensuring that users can easily adjust between the two switches without feeling a significant difference in key travel.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ is described as having a clacky and neutral sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is characterized by a crunchy and resonant sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves and providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. Depending on personal preference and setup, the Box CJ will deliver a clacky and bright sound, while the Purple Click will offer a more resonant and immersive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ is known for its mild typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most typists. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the Purple Click switch is noted for its stepped feel, providing a tactile experience with two stages of feedback compared to the mild feel of the Box CJ. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel, the Box CJ will provide a gentler and approachable experience, while the Purple Click switch will offer a more invigorating and tactile typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Box CJ is best for those seeking a smooth and clacky typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Purple Click switch is ideal for individuals looking for a more tactile and invigorating typing feel with a crunchy and resonant sound. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches provide distinct characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider your typing preferences. If you value a swift and smooth typing experience with higher-pitched clacks, the Box CJ may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light keystroke with a pronounced tactility and a satisfying click sound, the Purple Click switch could be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that best aligns with your personal preferences and typing needs.
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