Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, two fantastic options surface: the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The Gateron Box CJ is celebrated for its remarkable speed characteristics, making it an excellent choice for typists who demand rapid response in their keystrokes. With a high-pitched clack and an impressively smooth push feel, this switch caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback and a customizable lubing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, provides a harmonious blend of materials that culminates in a subtle top-out with a satisfying clack, further enhanced by HMX’s renowned factory lubrication. While the Box CJ can be perceived as “clacky” and ideal for users who appreciate a drier, more raw tactile feel, the Sunset Gleam offers a refined, buttery smoothness that many find appealing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Box CJ Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches, one can note that both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared characteristic suggests that both switches will exhibit similar acoustic properties, notably a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity and resonance, facilitating an enhanced auditory experience that keyboard enthusiasts often seek. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting applications; it allows light to permeate the switch, providing a visually appealing glow that highlights the mechanism. This commonality in top housing material ensures that users can expect comparable sound characteristics and aesthetic qualities from both switches.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Sunset Gleam switches is composed of nylon, a traditional and respected material in keyboard switch design. The softness of nylon leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, primarily due to its sound-absorbing properties. As a result, users will notice a rounder, more muted sound when bottoming out the switches, creating a unique typing experience. While both switches share identical bottom housing material, the combined effects of their polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms mean that sound characteristics will be distinctly divided between them: the polycarbonate will emphasize the sharper tones when releasing a key, while the nylon will dampen the sound and feel during bottom-outs.

Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials in each switch highlights the nuanced sound profiles produced by the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Sunset Gleam. Since both switches follow the same material design, they will generate harmonized results when it comes to the auditory and tactile feedback during typing sessions. The clarity from the polycarbonate top and the warmth from the nylon bottom work together to create a balanced user experience. Typists can expect a consistent sound signature when using these switches—sharp and crisp when pressing down and fuller during release, allowing for both variance and harmony in auditory feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Box CJ features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, classifying it as medium-light; in contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more comfortable option for extended typing sessions or gaming. The lighter actuation force of the Sunset Gleam can provide a quicker response and less fatigue during prolonged use. In terms of bottom out forces, the Box CJ is significantly heavier with its 57 grams compared to the 48 grams of the Sunset Gleam, suggesting that users who prefer a more substantial feedback may lean towards the Box CJ for a firmer typing experience. Overall, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a lighter and more responsive feel, while the Gateron Box CJ provides a stronger resistance that may appeal to those desired a more substantial keystroke experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Box CJ linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly affect the typing experience. The Box CJ, with its traditional 4 mm distance, offers a more pronounced feel, which some users might prefer for its comforting depth and tactile response. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who prioritize quicker actuation, making it a more suitable choice for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches boils down to personal preference; if you favor a deeper, more substantial keystroke, the Box CJ is ideal. However, if you lean towards a snappier feel, the Sunset Gleam is the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is noteworthy for producing a higher-pitched clack, giving it a crisp and bright quality that can be described as percussive. This acoustics profile can be further characterized as clacky, making typing not only satisfying but audibly engaging. The Box CJ also presents a chirpy element, adding a unique twist that differentiates it from other switches. Meanwhile, the sound profile of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is currently unknown, which leaves a gap in comparison. However, the sound experience may well be influenced by the specific board and keycaps used, making it difficult to fully assess without additional context.

In terms of feel, the Box CJ switch stands out for its incredibly smooth actuation, described as gliding effortlessly without any obstruction. This smoothness is engineered to cater to typists who prefer rapid response and is categorized as mild in tactile characteristics, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for either typing or gaming. In contrast, the feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam remains unspecified, so it’s challenging to draw parallels or distinctions in this area. The Box CJ’s unlubed design gives users the freedom to customize their lubrication to achieve their desired feel, while the Sunset Gleam comes factory-lubed, potentially altering the user experience with a smoother push.

Taking into account the information available, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch excels in both its sound and feel, providing a unique combination of crisp auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes ideal for extensive typing sessions. Although the sound qualities of the HMX Sunset Gleam are unknown, its potential for a satisfying clack and comfortable feel due to factory lubrication points toward a potentially rewarding typing experience. If sound characteristics are critical for decision-making, the Box CJ is a clear frontrunner; however, both switches may provide satisfying experiences depending on personal preferences and customization options.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a medium-light actuation force at 57 grams and appreciate a clacky sound profile that can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during rapid typing, the Gateron Box CJ could be the ideal option for you. Its design supports speedy responses, making it a great choice for gaming or fast-paced typing, while the option to customize lubrication offers the added benefit of tailoring your experience to your liking. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter touch with a mere 48 grams of actuation force, the HMX Sunset Gleam presents an excellent alternative with its factory lube that ensures a smooth operation right out of the box. Its subtle top-out and satisfying clack might be perfect if you're looking for a more pleasant auditory experience during typing without the need for additional customization. In the end, your decision should reflect the balance between the desired tactile feedback, sound experience, and whether you wish to explore personalizations in your keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Box CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more