Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Quinn offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is a linear switch known for its rapid response and higher-pitched clacks, providing typists with a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn is a tactile switch that offers a unique combination of light tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with each keystroke. While the Box CJ is perfect for those seeking speed and a neutral feel, the Quinn is ideal for users who appreciate a crisp tactile bump and a touch of character in their typing. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Quinn both offer unique characteristics that affect the overall sound profile of the switches. The Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Quinn's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Box CJ offering a more crisp and resonant sound compared to the Quinn's duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Box CJ and the Quinn feature nylon, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper sound profile. This means that while the top housings of the switches may offer different sound characteristics, the bottom housings will contribute to a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Quinn showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound profile of mechanical switches. While the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper sound and the Quinn's nylon top housing offers a deeper sound, both switches share the common factor of nylon bottom housings, which create a consistent and absorbing sound profile. Whether users prefer a sharper and clearer sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams while the Quinn requires 67 grams, making the Quinn the heavier option in this category as well. Those who prefer a light and smooth typing experience may lean towards the Box CJ, while those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Quinn. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Quinn has a shorter travel distance compared to the CJ. Shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while longer travel distances provide a more substantial feel when typing. Both options offer unique benefits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when selecting a switch based on 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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 higher-pitched, clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a deep, resonant sound profile that adds character to the typing experience, with a clean and sharp tactile bump. While the Box CJ provides a clacky and chirpy sound, the Quinn offers a bassy and resonant auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch provides users with an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering a mild typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a super responsive, smooth and refined, spring-like feedback, with a prominent but not overwhelming amount of tactility, and a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is best suited for those seeking rapid response with a higher-pitched clacky sound and an effortlessly smooth push feel. Meanwhile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a unique combination of crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, providing a rich and immersive typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize speed, smoothness, and a higher-pitched sound, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a combination of crisp tactility, deep resonance, and a richer sound profile, the Quinn switch would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose based on what feels best for your typing style and auditory preferences.
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