Gateron Box CJ vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Sky POM are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, yet they offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is renowned for its swift response and higher-pitched clacks, providing a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its premium quality made from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While the Box CJ is ideal for those seeking rapid response and customization options, the Sky POM is perfect for users looking for a buttery smooth typing experience at an accessible price point. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Sky POM switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sky POM's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience. However, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a fuller, rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
While the differences in top housing material between the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Sky POM switches lead to varying sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housing creates a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ offers a crisper and more resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a sharper typing experience. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Sky POM provides a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to users looking for a different auditory sensation. Both switches' nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound with a duller tone, creating a more rounded typing experience overall.
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Sky POM switches, the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience becomes evident. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of each switch influence the sound profile when pressing down on a key and when letting go. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ contributes to the switch's bottom-out sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller, deeper sound profile. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Sky POM affects the sound when releasing a key, offering a unique and pleasing auditory experience.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams of force while the Sky POM's bottom out force is unknown. The Box CJ is considered to be medium-light in terms of weight, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM's weight is unavailable, so it is difficult to compare in terms of heaviness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter actuation force of the Sky POM for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Box CJ for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Dareu Sky POM slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Gateron Box CJ. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Gateron Box CJ being slightly longer. For those who prefer faster response times, the Dareu Sky POM may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel, the Gateron Box CJ with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 is known for its clacky and neutral characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This switch offers a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, from beginner to advanced typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. The smooth push feel of this switch allows for effortless typing and gliding over the keys. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a seamless, fluid, and exceptionally smooth keystroke experience. These switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing a luxurious typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ switch is known for its swift characteristics and higher-pitched clacks, ideal for those seeking rapid response and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out for its premium quality at an accessible price point, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. Both switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Gateron Box CJ or Dareu Sky POM switch, you can expect a satisfying and customized typing experience based on your specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and a smooth push feel, the Box CJ may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM could be the switch that suits your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what attributes matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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