Gateron Box CJ vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that boast distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Gateron Box CJ is a standout in the linear switch category, renowned for its swift response and higher-pitched clacks that cater to typists looking for increased feedback while still enjoying a smooth keystroke. This switch, unlubed by default, offers a unique tactile experience—either delighting users with its raw expression of smoothness or inviting them to customize it to their preferences. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte presents a different take on the linear switch experience with its super smooth action, leveraging the latest manufacturing molds for a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect middle ground between quiet and overly resonant. While the Box CJ leans towards a clackier, more expressive typing experience, the Strawberry Latte focuses on a smooth and balanced sound that appeals to those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. 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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable distinctions can be seen in their top housings, which significantly influence the acoustics and overall user experience of each switch. The Box CJ employs a polycarbonate top housing, well-known for its stiffer composition, resulting in a sharper, high-pitched sound profile. This material's translucency makes it particularly advantageous for use with RGB lighting, allowing the illumination to enhance aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. This material is renowned for its smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction and significant durability, providing a sturdy yet smooth typing experience. Although the properties of POK lead to a clackier sound, it does not resonate in the same crisp manner as polycarbonate.
The bottom housings for both switches share a commonality, as they are made from nylon, a classic material in mechanical keyboard switches. This similarity results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that users generally appreciate. The nylon's softer composition effectively absorbs sound, creating a more muffled bottom-out sensation that contrasts with the sharper tones generated by the diverse top housings. Consequently, while the Gateron Box CJ and Huano Strawberry Latte achieve a cohesive sound through their nylon bottoms, the overall auditory experience varies due to their differing top materials—polycarbonate versus POK—each contributing unique qualities that influence how the key feels and sounds when pressed and released.
In summary, while the Gateron Box CJ and the Huano Strawberry Latte share a nylon bottom housing that enhances sound absorption for a rounded bottom-out experience, their top housings set them apart in terms of sound profile and user interaction. The Box CJ's polycarbonate top contributes a sharper sound and visual display when utilizing RGB lighting, offering clarity and vibrancy. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte’s high-performance POK top ensures a smooth action married with durability, promoting a clackier sound. Though the differences in top materials lead to distinct auditory characteristics, the nylon bottom serves as a unifying element, meaning that users of either switch will enjoy a fulfilling typing experience anchored by similar acoustic foundations.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the two models exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is notably lighter with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially for extended sessions, may lean towards the Strawberry Latte due to its lighter overall feel. Additionally, the difference in bottom out forces highlights that the Box CJ requires more effort to completely press down compared to the Strawberry Latte, providing a firmer typing experience for users who favor a stronger push. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences—one offering a lighter touch and the other a more substantial feel—they remain distinct in their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference may appeal to users who appreciate a more tactile and profound key press, as the extra 0.4 mm can provide a sense of depth that some find more satisfying. On the other hand, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Strawberry Latte's shorter travel distance could cater to that preference, offering quicker actuation which is often favored by gamers for faster response times. In summary, while both switches offer unique advantages, the Box CJ caters to those who enjoy a more substantial key feel, whereas the Strawberry Latte is designed for users seeking swifter actuation.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Box CJ is characterized by a distinctively clacky and chirpy acoustic profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds that are both crisp and bright upon actuation. This makes it quite engaging for typists who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback while typing. The higher-pitched clacks of the Box CJ cater to those who appreciate a lively sound experience, though its volume and frequency can vary depending on the choice of board and keycaps. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Strawberry Latte are not extensively documented, leaving its acoustic signature relatively unknown in the comparison.
Regarding the feel, the Box CJ offers a mild typing experience, which presents a smoothly gliding action without noticeable tactile feedback or resistance. This gentler approach provides a comfortable experience, appealing both to newcomers and seasoned typists who prefer a more versatile switch. Users of the Box CJ can expect a consistently pleasant feel, allowing for rapid response with ease of typing. On the other hand, there is no specific description of the feel of the Strawberry Latte switch, which leaves its tactile experience uncharted in this comparison.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ linear switch shines with its engaging sound profile and smooth feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte has less information available, particularly regarding sound and tactile feedback. If sound is important to you, the lively and pronounced characteristics of the Box CJ are hard to match, while the opinion on the Strawberry Latte remains open for exploration. In terms of feel, the Box CJ provides a mild typing experience which many users might find approachable, leaving the tactile nature of the Strawberry Latte as a variable yet to be assessed. Overall, the Box CJ offers a more defined experience, while the Strawberry Latte still holds potential for those willing to dive deeper into its qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a typing experience characterized by a crisp, clacky sound and an inherently smooth feel, the Box CJ could be an excellent choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for gamers and typists who appreciate rapid response and customizable characteristics, given its unlubed state that allows for personal tinkering. On the other hand, if you lean towards a light actuation force and seek a balanced, smooth experience with a more neutral sound profile, the Strawberry Latte might be the better fit. Its design caters to those who desire a gentle typing experience without overwhelming acoustics, making it ideal for both casual home use and professional environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired typing feel, sound characteristics, and the specific applications for which you intend to use your keyboard.
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