Gateron Box CJ vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Box CJ is known for its swift response, higher-pitched clacks, and smooth push feel, making it ideal for those seeking rapid feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Chirpy', the Sea Salt Lemon is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild'. Each switch has its own advantages and appeal, but ultimately the best choice depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is also known for its translucency, making it especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing materials of these switches means that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using either one.
However, where the housing materials of the two switches differ is in the nylon bottom housing. While the Box CJ's nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing offers a similar effect due to nylon's softness and sound-absorbing properties. This difference in the bottom housing materials may lead to subtle variations in typing feel and sound, but overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience thanks to their use of nylon in the bottom housing.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and KTT Sea Salt Lemon means that each component brings unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, whether made of nylon in the Box CJ or Sea Salt Lemon, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. In contrast, the top housing, composed of polycarbonate in both switches, influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials allows for a more nuanced sound profile and typing experience that caters to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, making them fairly light and easy to type on. However, the Box CJ has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams, providing a bit more resistance and feedback when fully pressed. This difference may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more weight to their key presses. Overall, both switches offer a light actuation force for comfortable typing over extended periods, but the Box CJ may offer a slightly heavier bottom out force for users seeking a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. As a result, you can expect similar tactile feedback and typing experience from both switches. Whether you choose the Gateron Box CJ or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, you can be confident that the travel distance will remain consistent, providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its clacky and higher-pitched sound profile, giving typists a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and more mellow sound, providing a bass-heavy tone that is more subtle. Both switches fall under the neutral sound category, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments, although the Box CJ does have a hint of chirpiness that sets it apart.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Box CJ and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. The Box CJ provides an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, while the Sea Salt Lemon boasts a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. Ultimately, whether you prefer the raw smoothness of the Box CJ or the buttery feel of the Sea Salt Lemon, both switches offer a comfortable and pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. If you are looking for a linear switch that provides a faster response and higher-pitched sound, the Box CJ may be the way to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a more mellow and buttery typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will get a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prioritize rapid response and enjoy a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Gateron Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched, mellow sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing speed. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one best suits your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
