Gateron Box CJ vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and Bsun Tomcat both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is celebrated for its rapid response capabilities, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who require speed and precision. Known for its higher-pitched clacks and impossibly smooth push feel, this switch provides a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, ideal for those who enjoy a more expressive typing style. Additionally, the unlubed nature of the Box CJ allows enthusiasts to customize the lubrication to suit their preferences, presenting an opportunity for tailored performance. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat offers a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, coupled with a resonant sound profile that makes each keystroke feel satisfying. While both switches are classified as linear, their auditory and tactile feedback differs significantly—one leans towards a clacky and chirpy feel, while the other emphasizes a resonant smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Tomcat depends on your personal typing style and what attributes you prioritize in a switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Box CJ Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Tomcat utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences the acoustic properties of each switch. With polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, it contributes to a clear and resonant sound signature characterized by sharpness and high pitch. This commonality between the two models ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile if they choose either option. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, giving both switches a visually appealing illumination that accentuates the modern aesthetics favored by many keyboard enthusiasts.

On the lower end of both switches, the Box CJ and Tomcat both employ nylon for their bottom housing, complementing the acoustic profile established by the polycarbonate top. Nylon is renowned for its softer characteristics, which helps absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller audio experience. This aspect provides a contrast to the higher-pitched sounds generated by the polycarbonate top, resulting in a well-rounded overall sound signature while typing. The shared use of nylon in both models means that users can expect similar sound dampening effects and a pleasing resonance when bottoming out, contributing to a balanced auditory sensation across both switches.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ and Bsun Tomcat share identical materials in both the top and bottom housings, this consistency allows for a coherent typing experience. The polycarbonate top provides a sharp and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom adds depth and warmth to the acoustics. Therefore, despite any potential aesthetic or design differences between the switches, users will enjoy a harmonious blend of sound characteristics. This combination of materials allows both switches to excel in performance, making them suitable options for those seeking quality and acoustic satisfaction in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similar in terms of keypress activation. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Box CJ reaching 57 grams and the Tomcat at 54 grams. This means that while both switches provide a light touch for the actuation, the Box CJ has a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of overall feel, the Gateron Box CJ is the heavier option due to its greater bottom out force, while the Bsun Tomcat remains the lighter choice. Users who favor prolonged typing sessions may appreciate the lighter actuation forces of both switches, while those who enjoy a firmer resistance might lean towards the Box CJ for its added bottom out weight.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Box CJ measures at 4 mm while the Tomcat offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The 4 mm distance of the Box CJ provides a more traditional feel that many users might find satisfying and substantial, especially for typing or tasks requiring deliberate keystrokes. In contrast, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm distance caters to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, making it ideal for fast-paced activities where rapid key presses are essential. Ultimately, if you lean towards a deeper keystroke that offers a more pronounced feedback, the Gateron Box CJ would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more responsive and snappier feel, the Bsun Tomcat is the switch to consider.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Box CJ linear switch produces a distinct sound profile characterized by its clacky, crisp, and bright tonal quality. Users can expect a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke, enhanced by the unlubed nature of the switches, which contributes to a raw, unfiltered sound. This switch also exhibits a chirpiness that adds a unique acoustic element, setting it apart from other linear switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch remains somewhat ambiguous, as specific descriptors and qualitative evaluations are currently unknown. However, since sound production can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard design and keycap material, users might need to experiment with different combinations to find an optimal auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Box CJ switch offers an impossibly smooth push that glides effortlessly, making it highly appealing for quick and rapid typing. The unlubed design allows for a more pronounced tactile sensation, which can cater to enthusiasts looking to customize the experience further with personal lubrication choices. In contrast, the Tomcat switch uses Ly stems, which are specifically engineered for a super smooth typing experience, although precise feelings or tactile feedback levels are unreported. This suggests that while both switches aim for smooth functionality, they may cater to different user preferences based on their design and intended use.

Overall, both the Gateron Box CJ and Bsun Tomcat linear switches present unique qualities that may appeal to different users depending on their typing preferences. The Box CJ stands out with its bright, resonant sound and exceptional smoothness, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more expressive typing experience. The Tomcat, while less documented in terms of sound, is touted for its smoothness, indicating it could be another great option for users seeking a refined typing feel. Ultimately, both switches promise an engaging typing experience, but individual preferences will play a crucial role in determining which best suits one's needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Box CJ and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize rapid response and enjoy a tactile experience that produces higher-pitched clacks, the Box CJ is the ideal choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 57 grams, accompanied by its impossibly smooth push feel, makes it an excellent option for typists who crave a fast and crisp typing rhythm. Additionally, the unlubed nature of these switches allows you to personalize the feel and sound to your own liking, offering a versatile platform for keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you're looking for a super smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat switches may be more to your liking. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 54 grams, they provide a satisfying feel that isn’t overly taxing during long typing sessions. Ultimately, consider your primary use case: if you're a gamer or someone who appreciates the speedy feedback and customization options, lean toward the Box CJ; however, if you're after that singular smoothness and a balanced sound for both casual and professional use, the Tomcat is the way to go.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Box CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more