Gateron Box CJ vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Sakura Pink mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is known for its swift and responsive nature, with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel that makes typing effortless. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are celebrated for their super light 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists seeking a frictionless and easy-to-press typing experience. While the Box CJ offers a clacky and neutral feel, the Sakura Pink switches provide a buttery and creamy typing experience. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Sakura Pink, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. As polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, it leads to a clear and resonant sound, which is especially useful for switches designed to be paired with RGB lighting. However, the Box CJ features a nylon bottom housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Sakura Pink utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper sound profile characteristic of this material.
The choice of housing materials for these switches not only affects the sound profile but also impacts the overall feel of typing on them. With the Box CJ’s nylon bottom housing, users can expect a different typing experience compared to the Sakura Pink’s polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink contributes to its sharper and crisper sound characteristics. This difference in bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches when pressed.
While both the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Sakura Pink share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The split between the nylon bottom housing of the Box CJ and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink showcases how housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches. Regardless of the material differences, both switches aim to create a satisfying and responsive typing experience for users, each with its own distinct characteristics based on the chosen housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch differ in weight, with the Sakura Pink being lighter overall. The Box CJ has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Sakura Pink has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The lighter weight of the Sakura Pink switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, such as for work or gaming. In contrast, the heavier weight of the Box CJ may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar experience to the user, ensuring consistent and predictable keystrokes. Whether you choose the Gateron Box CJ or the Everglide Sakura Pink, you can expect a smooth and comfortable typing or gaming experience with a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 switch is characterized by a clacky and neutral profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is known for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. The Box CJ switch may appeal to those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a sharper sound, while the Sakura Pink switch is ideal for users looking for a more subtle and subdued typing noise.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, offering a smooth push feel that is easy to get accustomed to. Conversely, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is described as buttery, creamy, and easy-to-press, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a frictionless operation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable typing experience for users.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ switch is best suited for those seeking a swift and responsive typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound, while the Everglide Sakura Pink switch caters to individuals who prefer a lighter actuation force and a quieter, more relaxed typing experience. Both switches offer smooth and effortless operation, making them excellent choices for different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on whether the user prioritizes sound, feel, or actuation force in their typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you want a medium-light switch with swift characteristics for rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and an impossibly smooth push feel, the Gateron Box CJ might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light switch with a feather-light actuation force, a smooth and effortless typing experience, and a delightfully poppy sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.
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