Gateron Box CJ vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB represent two distinct philosophies in tactile feedback and acoustic design. The Box CJ, a linear switch, is celebrated for its swift and smooth actuation, perfect for typists seeking rapid response times. Its higher-pitched clacks offer an engaging auditory experience, while the unlubed nature allows enthusiasts to customize their feel, catering to individual preferences. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB is a tactile switch designed to provide a luxurious typing experience, characterized by a pronounced tactile bump and the deep "thock" it produces when bottoming out. This switch balances a rich acoustic profile with a quieter topping out sound, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a refined auditory backdrop while typing. Both switches have their own merits—one prioritizing speed and customization, while the other emphasizes tactile feedback and sound refinement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Box CJ Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Box CJ and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches showcase distinct materials in their housing designs, resulting in varied sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which produces a sharper and more resonant sound. This clarity makes polycarbonate particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as its transparency allows light to shine vividly through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of a keyboard. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB uses a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic." This softer material lends a richer and deeper sound profile, providing a more muted, yet full-bodied auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches serve similar functions within mechanical keyboards, the materials they employ significantly shape their respective acoustic characteristics.

When delving into the bottom housing, the Box CJ utilizes nylon, a classic choice renowned for its sound-absorbing properties. This softer plastic creates a deeper and rounder sound profile, making each keystroke feel more substantial. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing also employs Gazzew's proprietary blend, similar to its top housing. This choice continues the trend established by the top housing, contributing to an overall rich and full sound experience. Utilizing softer materials for both the bottom and top housings enhances the switches' ability to absorb sound and minimize harshness, albeit with different tonal qualities resulting from the varied materials. Collectively, these differences produce a clear contrast between the two switches while simultaneously establishing a foundational similarity in their sound characteristics.

Moreover, the interplay between the top and bottom housings is crucial in understanding the complete auditory experience provided by each switch. The distinct material properties heavily influence how sound is transmitted when a key is pressed and released. While the Box CJ's polycarbonate top emphasizes brighter tones during release, the U4Tx RGB's softer boba plastic dampens sound for a warmer effect. However, the nylon bottom of the Box CJ enhances the deeper sound range, complementing its sharp upper tones, while the U4Tx RGB’s unified plastic blend contributes to a similarly rich sound profile throughout. By utilizing different materials in their design, both the Gateron Box CJ and Gazzew U4Tx RGB aim to deliver unique typing experiences, enabling enthusiasts to choose based on personal sound preferences and tactile feelings while still achieving a pleasant auditory output.

Weight

The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Box CJ features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB has no specified actuation force but boasts a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. Consequently, while the U4Tx may feel heavier during bottoming out, the absence of an actuation force means we can't directly compare it to the Box CJ's actuation threshold. With a lighter actuation force, the Box CJ is more suitable for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended usage or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the U4Tx's heavier bottom out force might appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing feel, making it a better choice for users who enjoy a stronger tactile response. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch would in this case prefer the Box CJ, while those who desire a heavier feel may gravitate towards the U4Tx.

Travel distance

The Gateron Box CJ linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Box CJ offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the U4Tx’s shorter distance allows for quicker actuation, which can benefit gamers seeking faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize a more tactile experience with a hearty depth, the Gateron Box CJ would be the better choice, while those who prefer a snappier press may lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx RGB. Ultimately, the differing travel distances cater to different preferences in typing and gaming styles.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is characterized by a bright and clacky profile, producing crisp and percussive sounds that punctuate each keystroke. Its inherent chirpiness adds a unique dimension to the auditory experience, setting it apart from other switches while still maintaining a neutral moderateness that suits both novice users and seasoned typists alike. This sound profile ensures that typists will enjoy a lively and engaging audible experience, though it is also important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard case and keycaps used. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch has not had its sound profile explicitly defined here, leaving an uncertainty in comparison; however, the general understanding of tactile switches often suggests a softer bottom-out sound that may offer different audible feedback.

Regarding the feel, the Gateron Box CJ provides a notably smooth typing experience, marked by a mild characteristic that offers an approachable sensation for most users. This mild feel allows for a more gentle typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and casual use alike. The fact that the Box CJs come unlubed gives enthusiasts the option to customize their tactile journey, either by embracing the raw smoothness or applying lubrication to suit their preferences. On the other hand, the tactile aspect of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is not explicitly detailed, although tactile switches generally offer a pronounced bump at the actuation point, which is regarded as a luxurious enhancement to the typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The Box CJ excels in producing a lively sound with its clacky characteristics, while also providing a smooth and accessible typing feel. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB, while lacking specific sound attributes in this context, is likely to appeal to those who favor a more tactile and potentially quieter experience. Ultimately, a choice between the two would depend on the user’s preference for sound and feel, with both options capable of delivering satisfactory results in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ linear switches and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a fast, smooth, and lightweight experience, especially for gaming or touch typing at rapid speeds, the Box CJ is the ideal switch for you. Its medium-light force of 57 grams allows for quick actuation, while the clacky sound profile adds a lively element to your keystrokes. Additionally, the unlubed design permits you to customize the switch further, tailoring the sound and feel to your liking. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and pronounced feedback while typing, along with a deeper auditory profile, the U4Tx RGB would be the more suitable option. With a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, it provides a satisfying "thock" sound upon bottoming out and a distinctive tactile bump that enhances your typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a richer sound signature and feedback. Thus, your decision ultimately hinges on whether you seek speed and smoothness or tactile delight and auditory richness in your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Box CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more