Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options to suit their typing style and preferences. The Gateron Box CJ and HMX Twilight, both linear switches, stand out in their unique ways. The Box CJ caters to those who revel in responsiveness, combining the bright, high-pitched clacks typical of the CJ lineage with the rapid actuation of speed switches, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience that some may find exhilarating. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight offers an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, providing a slightly quieter typing experience while still delivering satisfying clackiness, enhanced by a bounciness that can make typing feel more fluid and engaging. While the CJ’s unlubed design allows for personal customization, inviting modders to tailor their experience, the Twilight's built-in characteristics lend themselves to a versatile, yet consistent feel right 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

Gateron Box CJ Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Twilight, a notable distinction arises from their respective top housing compositions. The Box CJ utilizes a polycarbonate top housing renowned for its stiffness, which contributes to a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. This transparency also enhances the visual aesthetics of the switch, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, as the light can shine through more effectively. The sharpness of the sound produced by the polycarbonate resonates with users who prefer a clearer auditory feedback from their key presses. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing, which is characteristic of producing a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon’s softer composition. This choice results in a mellower auditory experience, appealing to users who may favor a more rounded sound when typing.

Interestingly, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which offers similar properties in terms of sound absorption. The Gateron Box CJ and HMX Twilight share this commonality, suggesting that the overall bottoming-out sound profile would reflect a deeper resonance regardless of the differences in their top housings. Since both employ nylon in the bottom housing, users will experience the soft, rounded sound that nylon provides, resulting in a satisfying tactile feedback during keystrokes. This consistency in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a pleasant auditory experience, even if the qualities imparted by the top housings diverge significantly.

Ultimately, the combined effect of using different materials for the top and bottom housings in each switch creates a unique typing experience. For example, while the polycarbonate top of the Box CJ elevates the sound to a sharper pitch when key releases occur, the nylon bottom maintains that deeper sound profile upon actuation. Alternatively, the nylon top of the Twilight softens the sound during rebound while still providing the deeper characteristics of the nylon bottom. Thus, the individual qualities of each housing carry through the typing experience, allowing users to appreciate subtle variations influenced by the material selection. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct auditory experiences shaped by their unique combinations of materials, enabling users to choose based on their preference for sound clarity or fullness.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences 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, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Twilight requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Twilight, as it offers less resistance. On the other hand, the Box CJ, with its heavier forces, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Gateron Box CJ offers a firmer feel, while the HMX Twilight provides a softer touch, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for actuation and bottoming out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find that the Box CJ has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight measures slightly shorter at 3.85 mm. This makes the Box CJ the longer option, providing a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Twilight may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times for faster response in gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference; those who enjoy a more substantial push against their keys might gravitate towards the Box CJ, whereas users looking for enhanced responsiveness may favor the HMX Twilight.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized by a higher-pitched clacky noise that typists often find bright and crisp, with a percussive impact that adds a dynamic auditory feedback to typing. This switch can also exhibit a chirpy quality, introducing a little squeak with each press, giving it a unique acoustic signature. The sound profile evolves depending on the keyboard and keycap choices, but generally speaking, expect an expressive auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch tends to be quieter than the Box CJ due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance, while still maintaining the classic clacky sound associated with many HMX switches. However, the specifics of its sound profile remain less defined, leaving a bit of uncertainty compared to the more established auditory characteristics of the Box CJ.

Regarding the feel, the Box CJ's sensation is notably smooth due to its construction and design, allowing for an effortless push without any noticeable friction, though specific tactile feedback characteristics are not mentioned. This smoothness contrasts with the HMX Twilight, which provides a bouncy feeling during typing, lending to a lively sensation that engages users with a springy response every time a key is pressed. This rebound effect gives an added layer of enjoyment for typists who prefer a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ excels in delivering a bright, clacky sound with a smooth push feel, the HMX Twilight not only presents a quieter auditory experience but also provides a more tactile, bouncy feedback. They both cater to different preferences: the Box CJ for those who value a vibrant sound and smoothness, and the Twilight for users who appreciate a resilient typing sensation and are content with a quieter environment. This distinction allows both switches to appeal to a wide range of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, ensuring that each user can find their ideal match based on their specific typing style and acoustic preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will significantly influence your decision. If you value a medium-light touch coupled with a responsive and smooth typing experience, the Box CJ is an excellent choice, especially for tasks that require quick reactions, such as gaming or typing at high speeds. The higher-pitched clack may also appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a bouncier feel beneath your fingers, the HMX Twilight switch is the way to go. With its extended travel distance and quieter operation, it’s particularly well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or a quieter office environment. Ultimately, invest some time in considering how you intend to use your keyboard, as this will help you determine which switch aligns best with your needs—whether it be the excitement of rapid responses with the Box CJ or the comfortable resilience of the Twilight.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Box CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more