Gateron Box CJ vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and Akko Rosewood stand out as two impressive linear options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron Box CJ switches are celebrated for their swift characteristics and higher-pitched clacks, offering typists a unique combination of rapid response and a smooth push feel. Their unlubed design allows enthusiasts to customize the switch according to their tactile desires, resulting in either a raw, engaging experience or a platform for personalized enhancement. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a deep, satisfying “thock” sound right out of the box, complemented by a factory-applied lubricant that creates a wonderfully smooth action with minimal effort. This switch appeals to users looking for an immediately gratifying auditory experience without the need for further customization. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Rosewood switches offer a contrasting auditory experience due to their differing compositions. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized as crisper and more resonant. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound produced when typing, making it especially effective in setups with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to pass through. This clear housing helps maximize the visual and auditory experience, particularly with the high frequencies that polycarbonate can produce.
In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its classic appeal and ability to impart a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer composition lessens sound vibrations and yields a duller, rounder auditory experience. As a result, when typing on the Rosewood switches, users may find the sound more subdued and muted compared to the Box CJ. The differences in material create a distinct typing sensation and can influence a user's preference based on their acoustic desires, with the Box CJ appealing to those seeking clarity and higher frequencies, while the Rosewood attracts those who favor warmth and depth.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their nylon bottom housing, which contributes similarly to the overall sound profile. As nylon is a classic housing material, both switches allow for a deeper bottom-out sound and a soft tactile feedback when pressed due to the acoustic absorption properties of the nylon. Therefore, while the overall timbre differs when engaging these switches—thanks to the distinct materials of the top housings—the nylon bottom housing unifies their foundation, resulting in a consistent, rich typing experience for both the Gateron Box CJ and Akko Rosewood. Ultimately, users can expect varied sound profiles influenced by the top housings, while the bottom is marked by the signature warmth of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light option suited for users who may prefer a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a softer touch and less resistance during typing. As such, for users who value lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Akko Rosewood is the preferable choice, whereas the Gateron Box CJ offers a slightly heavier feel that might cater to those looking for more feedback and a substantial typing experience. Ultimately, users will find that the different force specifications cater to personal preferences regarding typing comfort and tactile sensation.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they will provide a similar tactile experience when pressed. This equivalent travel distance ensures that users can expect a consistent feel and responsiveness whether they choose one switch over the other. Since both switches share this measurement, users can anticipate comparable results regarding key press depth and feedback, making either option suitable for those who prefer a smooth linear action in their keyboard switches.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 produces a higher-pitched, clacky noise, making each keystroke resonate with a crisp and percussive quality that typists often find engaging. This sound profile can be characterized as chirpy as well, introducing a slight squeak that can add an interesting texture to the typing experience. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood linear switch stands out with its deep, satisfying thock-like sound, aided by a factory-applied lubricant which contributes to its smooth auditory experience right out of the box. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Box CJ leans towards a more energetic pitch, while the Rosewood provides a mellow and rich acoustic that many find pleasing.
In terms of feel, the Box CJ linear switch is celebrated for its impossibly smooth push feel, characterized as mild. This smoothness allows for an effortless typing experience, suitable for both beginners and experienced typists who appreciate a versatile, gentle response when typing. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood’s specific feel characteristics are not explicitly detailed; however, its factory lubrication hints at a potentially smoother and more refined typing experience compared to unlubed switches. Therefore, while the Box CJ provides a predictable mild feel, the Rosewood may offer a sensation that could be equally or even more enjoyable, though it would depend on individual preferences.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko Rosewood linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile sensibilities. The Box CJ’s clacky and chirpy sound contrasts with the deep thock of the Rosewood, while its mild feel sets a gentle typing experience against an undefined but potentially smooth texture of the Rosewood. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both have the potential to deliver satisfying results tailored to the typist’s needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a faster response and enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Box CJ is an excellent choice. Its medium-light resistance makes it suitable for those who prefer a snappy, responsive feel, with a higher-pitched, clacky sound that may enhance your typing experience, particularly in gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. Moreover, the unlubed nature of the Box CJ provides a unique opportunity to customize the switch feel to your liking, which can be appealing to tactile enthusiasts who enjoy modifying their gear. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that delivers a plush typing experience with a satisfying, deep thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood is the way to go. The lighter bottom-out force suits those who might favor a softer touch while still maintaining a delightful auditory cue that enhances the overall typing experience. Its factory lubricant not only contributes to its smoothness but also ensures that it provides an immediately enjoyable experience right out of the box. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you favor a delicate and muted typing sensation with the Rosewood or a sharper, more spirited feedback with the Box CJ.
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