Gateron Box CJ vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a rich landscape of options, each catering to diverse preferences and typing styles. Two standout contenders in this realm are the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches. The Gateron Box CJ, known for its linear design, excels in delivering a swift typing experience with its smooth, unlubed feel and elevated pitch that appeals to those who favor rapid response and a touch of clackiness. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch presents a harmonious blend of smooth operation and deeper sound characteristics, striking a balance that many typists cherish for its precise feedback and satisfying acoustics. Additionally, the Rice Pudding shines in its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making it an attractive option for those who value versatility in their setup. While the Box CJ leans towards a more neutral and chirpy typing experience, the Rice Pudding emphasizes richness and sound depth. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, leading to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The use of polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, contributes to a more resonant sound that enhances the clarity of key presses. This resemblance means that users can expect an aesthetically pleasing translucency that is particularly advantageous for setups featuring RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the clear housing, creating visually appealing effects.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches are made from nylon, which is a classic choice for switch materials. The nylon in both the Box CJ and Rice Pudding switches offers a markedly different sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top. When typing on these switches, the nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic provides a duller and rounder auditory experience, influencing how users perceive the sound of key presses when the switch bottoms out. Given that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall feel and sound upon key release, this juxtaposition of materials results in a unique sound and feel profile that reflects the strengths of each housing material.
Ultimately, while both the Box CJ and Rice Pudding switches share commonalities in their top housing materials, they maintain a complementary relationship through their differing bottom housings. The combination of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom enables a harmonious sound experience, merging the crispness of the top with the depth of the bottom. As users engage with these switches, they will notice that the polycarbonate promotes vibrant high tones, whereas the nylon enriches the overall experience with a rounded, softer sound. This dual material usage showcases how switch design can effectively integrate different properties to create a balanced and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box CJ features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it the lighter choice overall. This lighter weight might appeal to users who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to press the keys. Conversely, the Box CJ's higher forces cater to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, offering a heavier tactile feedback. Because the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, users looking for a lighter feel would likely prefer the Rice Pudding, while those seeking more resistance may gravitate towards the Box CJ.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the differences are quite noticeable. The Box CJ features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional feel favored by users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times. For those who prefer a more responsive experience, the Rice Pudding could be the better choice, allowing for faster actuation. However, the Box CJ's greater depth may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. In summary, the Gateron Box CJ is the longer switch at 4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, catering to differing user preferences in keystroke depth and 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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Box CJ switch is notably characterized by its higher-pitched clacks, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive tone that typists often find engaging. This clacky and somewhat chirpy sound contributes to an expressive auditory experience that can enhance both the enjoyment and feedback of typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch, while known for its smooth operation, does not have detailed descriptors available for its sound characteristics. This leaves some uncertainty; however, enthusiasts often appreciate a deeper sound, so there might be potential for a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Box CJ.
When it comes to feel, the Box CJ switch offers an impressively smooth typing experience, with the unlubed design allowing for a raw expression of its smoothness. It provides a mild touch, making it approachable for typists of all skill levels. The effortless glide of the Box CJs can lend itself to fast-paced typing, making them ideal for those who value speed and smoothness. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switch lacks detailed descriptions of its tactile feel. This absence of information means that potential users may find themselves uncertain about how it compares directly to the Box CJ in terms of overall tactile experience.
In summary, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch delivers a distinct auditory profile with its sharp, clacky sounds, and a smooth, mild feel that is designed for rapid typing performance. While the sound of the Rice Pudding switch remains less defined, it is known for a balanced typing experience, which might differ in auditory expression but may still be appealing in terms of smoothness. As a result, enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience will find quality in both switches, yet ultimately, the choice may come down to personal preference and the desired sound signature.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a quick, responsive feel with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 57 grams, the Box CJ is a stellar option, particularly for fast-paced gaming or typing where rapid actuation is key. Its high-pitched clacking sound may also appeal to those who appreciate an energetic auditory experience. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 48 grams and a smoother, deeper sound profile, the Everglide Rice Pudding is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions where comfort and a satisfying acoustic feedback are essential. This switch’s compatibility with Wooting keyboards also adds a layer of versatility for tech enthusiasts looking to optimize their setup. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you desire a more spirited, tactile experience with the Box CJ or a balanced and smooth operation with the Rice Pudding.
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