Gateron Box CJ vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Box CJ, a linear switch, is renowned for its swift and rapid response, making it a top choice for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in typing. Typists can expect higher-pitched clacks with an incredibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, perfect for those who prefer a more tactile feedback while typing. The Silent Brown switches also boast a muted sound profile, making it an ideal option for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Silent Brown switches, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone when typing.
Although both switches share the same housing materials for the top and bottom, the difference in how these materials are utilized can affect the overall typing experience. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will primarily impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the polycarbonate top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distribution of housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience, combining the sharpness and resonance of polycarbonate with the depth and fullness of nylon to create a unique feel and sound for each keystroke.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and the TTC Silent Brown switches offer similar sound profiles due to their shared housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharp and clear sound, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller tone. The combination of these materials in different parts of the switch offers a balanced typing experience that caters to both the sound and feel of each keystroke. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with polycarbonate or a fuller sound with nylon, both switches have something to offer for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial force required. However, the Gateron Box CJ has a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch and may find it easier to type for extended periods. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Gateron Box CJ being lighter and the TTC Silent Brown being heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Box CJ has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's shorter travel distance could be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their slight variance in travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for keypress depth.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ switch offers a clacky experience with sharp and snappy sounds, giving typists a crisp and percussive feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch provides a muted sound profile, perfect for those looking for a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Box CJ being more energetic and lively in sound, while the Silent Brown offers a more discreet and subdued acoustic profile.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch delivers an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing typists with a mild and approachable typing experience. In comparison, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. Both switches fall on the milder side of the spectrum, providing a comfortable and gentle typing sensation, albeit with slightly different characteristics in terms of smoothness and fluidity.
In conclusion, if you prefer a switch with a clacky sound and an energetic feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a muted sound profile and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a swift, clacky typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and smooth keystrokes, the Gateron Box CJ switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable, rounded tactile bump with a muted sound profile and light-medium resistance, the TTC Silent Brown switch could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience and sound profile that aligns with your preferences and needs.
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