Gateron Box CJ vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and responsiveness. The Gateron Box CJ, renowned for its unique blend of characteristics, stands out with its rapid response and higher-pitched clacks, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a lively auditory feedback coupled with an exceptionally smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll offers its own advantages with the Y3 stem, ensuring a seamless travel experience while embodying a clacky sound profile thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. Both switches are linear in nature, which means they provide a consistent and uninterrupted feel throughout the press, but they cater to different tactile experiences and auditory preferences. Whether you're drawn to the customizable smoothness of the Box CJ or the unique acoustic attributes of the Ragdoll, each switch has something distinctive to offer. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Ragdoll switches, a significant contrast emerges in their top housings. The Box CJ utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material enhances the switch's clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for those who favor brighter auditory feedback during typing sessions. In contrast, the Ragdoll features a nylon top housing that tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a more rounded and muted aural experience. The use of polycarbonate in the Box CJ also allows for translucency, which is beneficial when combined with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, share similar characteristics, as both the Box CJ and the Ragdoll utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This consistency leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is typical of nylon, as both switches absorb sound effectively and contribute to a softer auditory experience when bottoming out. Consequently, users can expect a similar tactile and acoustic feedback when pressing down on either switch, mainly influenced by the nylon material of the bottom housing. This shared material ensures that both switches provide a more muted sound when keys are fully pressed, irrespective of the differences in their respective top housings.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of these switches affect their overall sound signature, while the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing creates a harmonious balance in terms of typing feel and sound output during key presses. Users seeking a brighter, more resonant sound may gravitate towards the Gateron Box CJ, while those preferring a softer, more subdued typing experience may choose the Bsun Ragdoll. Despite these differences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, informed largely by the interplay of their housing materials and the specific sound profiles they yield.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for extended typing sessions without causing strain. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Box CJ has a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Ragdoll’s bottom out force is lighter at 52 grams. This means that although both switches feel similar during the actuation phase, the Box CJ provides a more substantial resistance when fully pressed down, making it a slightly heavier option overall, while the Ragdoll is the lighter switch, providing a smoother transition to bottoming out. The lighter feel of the Ragdoll may appeal to users who prefer less resistance, while those who enjoy a firmer typing experience might lean towards the Box CJ.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch measures slightly less at 3.8 mm. This makes the Box CJ the longer option and the Ragdoll the shorter one. A 4 mm travel distance is considered traditional, providing a more substantial feel, which some users prefer for a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Ragdoll caters to those looking for a quick response, appealing especially to gamers who favor faster actuation for enhanced performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch, the Box CJ is distinctively characterized by a clacky and crisp auditory signature, providing a bright and snappy response with each keystroke. This results in a sharp, percussive sound that can be invigorating during typing sessions. The Box CJ also introduces a chirpy element, adding a unique squeak that enhances its character. In contrast, details about the sound profile of the Ragdoll are unavailable, leaving an unknown aspect in this comparison. However, it’s essential to note that sound is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, meaning that the overall sound experience could vary significantly based on usage.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ offers a smooth, mild experience that is intended to cater to a wide range of typists. Its unlubed nature allows for a raw expression of this smoothness, making it easy to type on without any harsh interruptions. The switch gently glides down with each keypress, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. The Ragdoll, however, lacks detailed information regarding its feel characteristics. As such, while the Box CJ maintains a clear reputation for its gentle, approachable typing experience, the tactile qualities of the Ragdoll remain a mystery.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ linear switch excels in both sound and feel with its clacky, chirpy qualities and mild smoothness, the BSUN Ragdoll's traits remain unclear, particularly regarding its auditory and tactile features. This lack of information on the Ragdoll leaves potential users curious but unresolved about how it might perform in practice. For those seeking a reliable and distinctive typing experience, the Box CJ certainly stands out, whereas the Ragdoll may still hold promise for users open to exploring the unknown.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, you should consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired feedback from your keyboard. If you favor a more rapid response with a higher-pitched clack, the Box CJ is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a smooth push feel that can accommodate customization through lubrication. The characteristics of this switch make it ideal for fast typists and gamers who thrive on crisp, responsive feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler acoustic profile while maintaining smooth travel, the Ragdoll switch may be more suited to your needs. Its nylon-fiberglass housing promotes a uniquely clacky sound, which may appeal to users seeking a textured auditory experience without overwhelming their auditory senses. In essence, choose the Gateron Box CJ for a lively, engaging typing experience, while the Bsun Ragdoll offers a more balanced approach that still delivers satisfaction without the heightened tones. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard.
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