Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g present two compelling options, each catering to different user preferences. The Gateron Box CJ, renowned for its rapid response and signature clacky sound, offers typists an exceptionally smooth feel and a higher-pitched auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both performance and an engaging sound profile. Its unlubed nature allows enthusiasts the flexibility to customize their keystroke feel, appealing to those who enjoy personalizing their setup. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g champions a whisper-quiet experience, perfect for users prioritizing a serene typing atmosphere without sacrificing satisfaction. With a balanced actuation force of 53g, these switches offer a light yet gratifying keystroke, ideal for long typing sessions in shared spaces. While each switch possesses unique characteristics that cater to distinct typing styles and environments, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific attributes to determine which one aligns best with your individual needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Box CJ Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, a clear distinction emerges in the choice of top housing. The Box CJ utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, more high-pitched sound profile. This property is attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Notably, the translucence of polycarbonate also makes these switches suitable for RGB lighting applications, as it allows light to diffuse effectively. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is equipped with a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer texture of nylon absorbs sound, thereby delivering a rounder and more mellow auditory experience. Thus, while the Box CJ may shine in sound sharpness and aesthetic versatility, the Silent Sakura offers a more subdued and rich tonal characteristic.

Examining the bottom housings reveals a reverse situation, with both switches utilizing different materials. The Box CJ features a nylon bottom housing, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances clarity and brightness. The impact of these materials becomes apparent during key presses, as the bottom housing largely influences the bottom-out sound and the overall tactile feel of the switch. The contrasting materials lead to unique auditory experiences: the silent and muted qualities of the nylon contribute to a subdued output from the Box CJ, whereas the polycarbonate’s stiffness in the Silent Sakura provides a more pronounced auditory feedback upon actuation. Thus, the character of sound is intricately linked to the combination of both top and bottom housing materials.

Ultimately, the material selections in the housing of the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches contribute to distinct sound profiles that cater to different user preferences. Despite their differing approaches — one favoring a crisp and resonant sound with polycarbonate and the other a rounded, softer auditory experience with nylon — both switches deliver satisfactory performance within their respective sound frameworks. Users can expect different auditory experiences: the Box CJ for a sharper, RGB-friendly sound profile and the Silent Sakura for a deeper, more immersive typing experience. Understanding how these materials interact not only allows players to tailor their keyboard setups but also to appreciate the nuances that each housing choice imparts.

Weight

The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have notable similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, providing a consistent experience for users who favor lighter touches. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Box CJ reaching 57 grams while the Silent Sakura has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while both switches exhibit a light actuation, the Box CJ offers a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. In summary, while both switches are equally light in terms of actuation force, the Gateron Box CJ is the heavier option overall due to its higher bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressed, both switches will feel the same in terms of distance traveled from top to bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect a consistent keypress experience whether they opt for the Box CJ or the Silent Sakura - 53g. Therefore, regardless of which switch is chosen, the resulting typing feel will be quite comparable, providing a smooth and uniform experience across both options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized by its higher-pitched clacks, which produce a sharp, crisp, and bright auditory feedback upon actuation. The acoustic profile can be described as clacky and chirpy, offering a lively and engaging typing experience, although the sound may vary depending on the keyboard setup and keycaps used. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is designed for a distinctly quieter operation, akin to gentle raindrops. Unfortunately, specific sound descriptors for the Silent Sakura aren't available, but it’s understood to be designed for those seeking a subdued typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Box CJ switches provide a remarkably smooth push feel that allows for effortless gliding during typing. The unlubed nature of these switches leads to a drier, yet enjoyable tactile response, catering to personal preferences regarding customization and lubrication. They are generally perceived as mild, making them approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch isn't explicitly detailed; however, with a balanced 53g actuation force, it is likely designed to offer a satisfying keystroke without being overly taxing on the fingers.

In summary, the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches cater to different preferences: the Box CJ is vibrant and engaging, perfect for those who enjoy a lively sound and smooth feel, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet, balanced typing experience. While they differ in sound profile and perhaps feel, both switches can deliver high-quality performance, making them suitable options depending on your specific typing environment and personal preference. If you lean towards the engaging experience of the Box CJ, you'll appreciate its unique sound and tactile smoothness; alternatively, should you choose the Silent Sakura, you will enjoy a more muted keystroke with a possibly similar sense of satisfaction in typing.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, consider your typing environment and personal preferences for feel and sound. If you enjoy a more responsive typing experience with a clacky and chirpy acoustic profile, the Box CJ could be your go-to option. Its medium-light force of 57 grams allows for a slightly firmer push, contributing to a satisfying tactile experience that is especially appealing for gamers and typists who thrive on speed and accuracy. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, perhaps for office use or to minimize distractions in shared spaces, the Silent Sakura - 53g would be the better choice. With its softer 53-gram actuation force and whisper-quiet operation reminiscent of gentle raindrops, this switch emphasizes a smooth, serene keystroke that suits those who prefer a more subdued sound. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your unique typing habits and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Box CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more