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Gateron Box CJ vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)

An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Gateron Box CJ and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), both linear switches with their own distinct characteristics. The Box CJ is known for its swift speed and high-pitched clacks, offering a smooth push feel that is ideal for those who seek rapid response. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, coupled with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures silky smooth keystrokes. While the Box CJ provides a drier, raw expression of smoothness or customization options for enthusiasts, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a high-quality factory lube job out of the box. 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

45g

Bottom-out force

57g

Bottom-out force

52g

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

Y3

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Ly

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

Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2), which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Box CJ's top housing allows for a more resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting, while the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a unique and pleasing sound experience.

In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Box CJ and Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that typing on switches with nylon housings will elicit a similar sound experience, with the differences in sound profile primarily stemming from the top housing material used in each switch.

Overall, while the Gateron Box CJ and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may differ in their top housing materials, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile. The contrasting qualities of polycarbonate and POM in the top housing of the Box CJ and Strawberry Wine (V2), respectively, offer users a choice between a sharper, crisper sound and a deeper, more muted sound. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences for sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that they both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Box CJ has a higher bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Box CJ linear switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. The lighter actuation force of both switches makes them suitable for extended typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Box CJ may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we can see that the Box CJ has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Strawberry Wine's 3.4 mm. The traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm is seen in the Box CJ, while the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry Wine is on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Wine, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Box CJ. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the feel of the key press.

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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.

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 Gateron Box CJ linear switch is known for its higher-pitched clacks, providing a crisp and sharp sound when pressed. This sound profile is complemented by its smooth push feel that effortlessly glides with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a resonant and clacky sound profile, with a factory lube job that ensures silky smooth keystrokes. The Box CJ switch falls under the 'Clacky' descriptor, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is described as 'Clacky' and 'Resonant'.

When it comes to feel, the Box CJ linear switch is characterized as mild, delivering a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable and comfortable. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is labeled as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness during typing sessions.

In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is best suited for those seeking a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile with a smooth push feel, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is ideal for users who prefer a resonant sound and silky smooth typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will find similar results in terms of sound and feel with either option. Ultimately, the decision between the Box CJ and Strawberry Wine (V2) switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel when typing.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a faster response time and a smoother push feel with a medium-light bottom out force, the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, an impeccable factory lube job for silky smooth keystrokes, and a higher-pitched, resonant sound profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) might be more to your liking. Each switch offers unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.

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