Gateron Box CJ vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer distinct experiences catering to different typing preferences. The Box CJ is designed for users who crave speed and responsiveness, characterized by its high-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for fast typists and gamers alike. Its unlubed design allows enthusiasts the freedom to customize the feel, creating a raw, engaging typing experience that can be tailored to individual tastes. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provides a more balanced typing experience with its neutral sound signature and the satisfying "thock" that many keyboard aficionados desire. The dustproof stem of the Sticky Rice reduces wobble, ensuring a refined tactile sensation that enhances overall performance, appealing to those who appreciate both subtlety and smoothness in their typing. While the Box CJ is all about speed and customization, the Sticky Rice focuses on providing a well-rounded and satisfying keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) shares both similarities and distinctions that contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. Both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics. This material's translucency also makes it ideal for applications involving RGB lighting, as it effectively showcases the illumination. Consequently, users who prioritize a bright and clear sound signature will find that both the Box CJ and Sticky Rice (V2) deliver a similar auditory experience during keystrokes, making them appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking that crisp sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, which introduces a contrasting element to the overall sound profile. Nylon's softer composition contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more vibration and noise than the harder polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is less pronounced than the top housing. Therefore, while both switches share the same material in their bottom housings, the different sounds produced during keystrokes reveal how the composite properties of the two materials—stiffness of polycarbonate against the softness of nylon—come into play, leading to a comprehensive audio experience that is nuanced yet cohesive.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in these switches leads to a harmoniously blended sound profile during typing. The impact of the nylon bottom housing on the bottom-out sound ensures a distinct tactile feedback that balances out the sharper sound profile introduced by the polycarbonate top housing. In essence, while the two switches utilize the same materials in their respective housings, the interplay between polycarbonate and nylon creates a dynamic typing experience that can cater to various preferences, allowing enthusiasts to choose based on the desired sound and feel. Therefore, despite their equal use of polycarbonate and nylon, keyboard users can expect a varied yet complementary performance from the Gateron Box CJ and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2).
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box CJ features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, placing it in the medium-light category, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Sticky Rice (V2) the lighter option, appealing to those who enjoy an easier keystroke for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Box CJ offers a slightly heavier feel, which may attract users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches can provide a satisfying typing feel, the Gateron Box CJ requires more force for actuation and bottoming out compared to the lighter Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), making them suitable for different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects the design preferences of different users; the Box CJ offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some may find more satisfying for typing. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers who prioritize rapid response times over tactile feedback. If you prefer a switch that provides a more substantial press, the Box CJ would be the ideal choice, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) is more suited for those who favor quicker actuation. Thus, while both switches serve distinct purposes, the Box CJ is inherently the longer option, allowing for a more pronounced keystroke experience compared to the more responsive yet shallower Sticky Rice (V2).
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized by its clacky nature, producing high-pitched clacks that resonate with a bright and percussive quality. This sharp sound, combined with its chirpy undertones, creates a unique acoustic signature that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch offers a more neutral sound signature, focusing on a refined "thock" that is warm and full—ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a quieter typing experience. Unlike the Box CJ, which has distinct high-frequency tones, the Sticky Rice strikes a balance that makes it suitable for both office environments and leisure activities.
When considering the feel, the Box CJ is noted for its impossibly smooth push feel, allowing keystrokes to glide effortlessly with a mild typing experience. This smoothness, combined with the drier, unlubed nature of the switch, offers enthusiasts a canvas for potential customization through lubrication. The Sticky Rice (V2), on the other hand, emphasizes a super smooth keystroke with minimal wobble due to its dustproof stem. Although specific descriptors of the feel for the Sticky Rice weren't provided, its design suggests a refined and balanced tactile experience, appealing to typists looking for both control and comfort.
In summary, while both the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches cater to different preferences, they both prioritize a smooth typing experience, albeit with different sound profiles. The Box CJ will provide those who enjoy sharper, more audible feedback with a delightful auditory experience, while the Sticky Rice will cater to users looking for a more muted and full sound. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prefer the crisp, clacky resonance or the warm thock of a more neutral tone, alongside the subtle differences in the smoothness and exciting potential for customization with the Box CJ.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a slightly heavier switch that delivers a quicker, more responsive feel with higher-pitched clacks, the Gateron Box CJ is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 57 grams and unlubed characteristics allow for customization and an invigorating typing experience that caters well to fast typists and gamers alike. In contrast, if you prefer a lighter keystroke that prioritizes a balanced feel and sound, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) with its 50 grams bottom-out force is tailored for you. This switch offers the highly sought-after "thock" sound signature and a super smooth action that minimizes wobble, providing a refined tactile sensation ideal for both typing and casual use. So, consider your typing habits and sound preferences carefully; whether you lean toward the engaging clack of the Box CJs or the muted thock of the Sticky Rice switches, both options promise a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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