Gateron Box CJ vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that each switch offers its own unique features and benefits. The Box CJ is known for its rapid response and higher-pitched clacks, making it a great choice for those who prioritize speed and precision while typing. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material, resulting in a deeper sound signature and smooth linear feel. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Chirpy', the Snow switch is classified as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', 'Bouncy'. In general, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
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
The Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Snow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound when typing. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow's POK top housing is praised for its smoothness and durability. The POK material outperforms other materials in terms of wear resistance and shock resistance, making it a top choice for creating smooth, clacky, and long-lasting switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Snow utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The similarities in the bottom housing material between the two switches suggest that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch can greatly impact the typing experience. While the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Snow share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ offers a sharper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience with RGB lighting capabilities. On the other hand, the POK top housing of the Snow emphasizes smoothness and durability, ensuring a clacky and long-lasting typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preferences in sound, feel, and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams, while the Snow needs 60 grams. This makes the Box CJ a bit lighter overall in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Box CJ, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Meanwhile, the Dareu Snow may appeal to users looking for a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its slightly heavier force requirements. Regardless of their differences in force, both switches provide a medium feel in terms of actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a balanced typing experience for users who enjoy a moderate resistance level.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Snow switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Box CJ switch. The 0.7 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience for some users. The Box CJ switch with a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and tactile feel, while the Snow switch with a shorter travel distance may cater to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ and Dareu Snow linear switches offer distinct characteristics. The Box CJ switch produces a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch offers a thocky sound, deep and satisfying, resembling a soft thud or knock. Depending on personal preference, typists can choose between the higher-pitched clacks of the Box CJ or the deeper tones of the Snow to suit their auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively feel with a rebound effect when pressed. Depending on whether a typist prefers a more subtle and approachable feel or a more dynamic and responsive typing experience, they can opt for the Box CJ or Snow switch accordingly.
Overall, the decision between the Gateron Box CJ and Dareu Snow linear switches will ultimately come down to individual preferences for sound and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Typists who enjoy a sharper, clacky sound and a smooth, effortless push may lean towards the Box CJ, while those who prefer a deeper, thocky sound and a bouncy, lively feel may find the Snow switch more appealing. In general, both switches provide quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of keypress functionality regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and an impossibly smooth push feel, the Box CJ may be the right choice for you. Additionally, the Box CJ allows for customization of lubrication to suit your preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and innovative use of POK material for the top housing and stem, the Snow switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision may also be influenced by the sound and feel characteristics of each switch. The Box CJ is described as clacky and providing a moderate actuation force, while the Snow offers a thocky sound and a bouncy feel. Consider these factors when making your decision between the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Snow linear switches.
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