Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers distinct options for different typing preferences. The Box CJ is a linear switch that shines with its unique blend of quick response and high-pitched clacks, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and sharp auditory feedback. Its unlubed nature allows for a customizable experience, letting users tailor the feel and sound to their liking. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie is a medium-weight all-POM switch praised for its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, offering a more subdued and rich auditory experience for typists who prefer deeper keystrokes. Both switches are designed for smooth operation, but while the Box CJ may cater to the rapid typist seeking clarity, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to those who enjoy a balanced and plush 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

Gateron Box CJ Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both showcase distinct materials in their construction, leading to varied auditory experiences for users. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound. This sharper sound profile makes polycarbonate ideal for those who favor a crisp and high-pitched auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for a POM top housing that produces a deeper sound, which is more muted compared to the Box CJ. The POM material, while still effective for producing pleasant sound characteristics, provides a softer auditory experience that appeals to those who might prefer a more subdued typing environment.

When considering the bottom housing materials, the Gateron Box CJ utilizes nylon, a traditional choice that contributes to richer and fuller sound characteristics. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory profile. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie continues with the POM material in its bottom housing as well. This leads to a consistent sound profile that carries the muted and pleasant tones established by the top housing. Although both switches utilize different materials for their top housings, the similarity of POM in the bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie echoes the deeper sound qualities of the nylon used in the Box CJ, allowing for a contrasting auditory experience depending on which part of the switch influences the sound more.

Overall, the sound characteristics of both switches are defined not only by their materials but also by how these materials interact when the switch is engaged. The Box CJ, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, emphasizes a clear sound when keys are released, while the deeper tones from the nylon resonating in the bottom contribute to a fuller experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its uniform POM construction, provides a cohesive auditory experience that is more muted yet still pleasant. In environments where switching aesthetics and sound are important—especially with RGB setups—the Box CJ’s clarity might be favored, while users seeking warmth and a smooth typing experience might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie. Thus, both switches cater to different preferences through their unique material compositions, despite some overlap in the qualities derived from different housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences. The Box CJ features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it medium-light, and has a bottom out force of 57 grams, indicating a solid resistance as you press the key all the way down. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, contributing to a more substantial feel during typing. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving some ambiguity regarding how heavy it feels when fully pressed. As a result, while the Box CJ is the lighter option overall due to its lower actuation force, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly firmer initial resistance. Users who prefer lighter switches for comfort during extended typing sessions may favor the Box CJ, while those looking for a more pronounced feedback in their keystrokes might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, despite the uncertainty of its bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Box CJ features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional distance and provides a more pronounced tactile feedback when pressed. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, catering to those who prefer a slightly quicker response time, often sought after by gamers. This shorter distance can feel less abrupt than even more shallow switches, striking a balance for users who appreciate a swift keystroke without sacrificing too much depth. Ultimately, if you prefer a more robust typing experience, the Box CJ would be the better choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to those looking for enhanced responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, the distinctions are notable. The Box CJ is characterized by its higher-pitched clacks, resulting in a bright, crisp, and percussive auditory experience. This clackiness can be likened to the sharp sound of a drumstick hitting a snare, providing an engaging feedback that some typists appreciate. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound profile is less explicitly defined, but it is known for delivering a thocky sound that has a heavier, rounded quality that is often associated with a softer typing experience. Therefore, while both switches produce distinct sounds, the Box CJ leans towards being more clangy and expressive, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more subdued, muffled tone.

In terms of feel, the Box CJ switch stands out with its impossibly smooth push, which is both satisfying and responsive for typing. This smoothness, especially in an unlubed form, allows for a straightforward tactile experience without any discernible scratchiness. The feel is described as mild, making it accessible for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. The Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, has not been explicitly detailed in terms of its tactile feedback or characteristics, leaving the specifics unknown. As a result, it’s essential to note that while the Box CJ is recognized for its fluid motion, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s feel remains a bit of a mystery without specified qualitative descriptors.

In conclusion, if you are choosing between the Gateron Box CJ and the Sea Salt Smoothie, you will find distinct differences in sound, with the Box CJ being more clacky and expressive compared to the thocky tones of the Sea Salt Smoothie. The feel of the Box CJ is well-defined and smooth, offering a mild typing experience that caters to various users. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie's tactile feedback remains undefined, leaving some uncertainty in that area. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for sound and the established feel of the Box CJ, or the intrigue surrounding the still-unknown qualities of the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider what your primary preferences are in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. If you are someone who enjoys a keyboard that provides rapid response and a crisp, clacky sound, especially if you plan on doing fast-paced typing or gaming, then the Box CJ would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams allows for a comfortable yet responsive experience, making every keystroke feel quick and effortless. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, thocky typing experience that feels more luxurious under your fingers, then the Sea Salt Smoothie might be more to your liking. While its bottom out force is unknown, it's designed to deliver exceptional smoothness without sacrificing quality, ideal for leisurely typing or casual gaming. Both switches have their unique attributes, so ultimately, your decision should align with your personal comfort and the specific auditory and tactile sensations you wish to achieve in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Box CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more