Gateron Box CJ vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is renowned for its swift speed switches, providing typists with a higher-pitched clack and an incredibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a bouncy feel with each keystroke thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Chirpy', the Tourmaline Blue is labeled as 'Buttery' and 'Easy-to-press', showcasing their distinct typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, one notable difference lies in their bottom housings. The Box CJ features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials suggests that the typing experience on these switches may vary in terms of sound and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housings of the Box CJ and the Tourmaline Blue, both switches make use of polycarbonate. This material choice results in a shared characteristic of producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While the top housing material may be identical in these switches, the unique qualities of the bottom housing material in each switch will still influence the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the sound profile and aesthetics, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Ultimately, users can expect a distinct typing experience based on the housing materials chosen for these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see a clear difference in weight. The Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. The Box CJ offers a more medium-light touch, while the Tourmaline Blue falls in the medium-heavy category. Overall, the weight of the switches plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more robust feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance between the two switches, both offer a consistent and tactile feedback experience with the same distance traveled from top to bottom. Whether you choose the Box CJ or Tourmaline Blue switch, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and travel distance. Overall, the travel distances of the two switches are equal, providing a familiar typing experience for users.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ switch is known for its clacky and higher-pitched sound, creating a crisp and percussive typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a more immersive and satisfying typing feel. Both switches fall under a neutral sound profile category, which means they are suitable for most users and various environments. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Box CJ or a deeper and more immersive sound with the Tourmaline Blue.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing a mild and gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with easy-to-press keys that require minimal force to activate. Both switches provide a comfortable typing sensation, but the Box CJ leans towards a gentler typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue focuses on a seamless and effortless keystroke.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ excels in providing a clacky and smooth typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a thocky sound and buttery feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switches, you can choose between the higher-pitched and smoother Box CJ or the immersive and easy-to-press Tourmaline Blue. Regardless of your choice, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you are looking for a medium-light switch with rapid response and higher-pitched clacks, the Box CJ is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep and thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue is a great option. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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