Gateron Box CJ vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer distinct advantages that appeal to different preferences. The Box CJ is renowned for its swift response and higher-pitched clacks, providing typists with a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a silky smooth feel. While the Box CJ is described as 'Clacky' and 'Chirpy', the Semi-Silent Linear is labeled as 'Subdued' and 'Buttery'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, it is evident that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness that enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, the Box CJ and Semi-Silent Linear feature different bottom housing materials, with the Box CJ utilizing nylon and the Semi-Silent Linear employing polycarbonate. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in a noticeable difference in the sound and feel of bottom-out keystrokes between the two switches. While the Box CJ offers a softer and more absorbing typing experience thanks to its nylon bottom housing, the Semi-Silent Linear with its polycarbonate bottom housing may provide a crisper and more resonant typing sensation.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing. The Gateron Box CJ and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear showcase how different combinations of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits, the variation in bottom housing materials between the two switches leads to distinct differences in typing feel and sound. Whether one prefers the deeper sound of nylon or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Box CJ is 57 grams, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly heavier. The Box CJ provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a medium feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Box CJ may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different levels of force, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Box CJ offers a slightly longer distance for keypresses compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Depending on personal preference, the Box CJ may provide a more satisfying depth to keypresses, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch may offer a quicker and more responsive typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box CJ being on the longer end and the Semi-Silent Linear being on the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired feel while typing.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 Gateron Box CJ is known for its higher-pitched clacks, giving it a more crisp and percussive sound when compared to the Semi-Silent Linear, which offers a more subdued and dampened sound profile. While the Box CJ provides a clacky and sharp auditory experience, the Semi-Silent Linear maintains a whisper-quiet top-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound, striking a balance between silence and tactility.
When it comes to feel, both the Box CJ and the Semi-Silent Linear are described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that the typing sensation falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Box CJ provides an impossibly smooth push feel, allowing for effortless gliding with every keystroke. The Semi-Silent Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience that strikes a balance between smoothness and tactility.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ excels in providing a sharp clacky sound and a smooth push feel, making it ideal for those who seek rapid response and crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a more subdued sound profile and silky smooth typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a quieter, yet still tactile, typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both options delivering high-quality performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing speed and sound. If you value rapid response and higher-pitched clacks, along with an impossibly smooth push feel, then the Box CJ may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a silky smooth type feel, along with maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, then the Semi-Silent Linear switch might be more suitable. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force and a mild typing experience, so ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you prioritize speed or silence in your typing experience.
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