Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Vintage Citrus offers enthusiasts a delightful exploration of linear switch characteristics tailored for different typing and gaming experiences. The Box CJ is lauded for its rapid response and unique higher-pitched clacks, appealing to typists who value both speed and a distinctive auditory feedback. Its unlubed design invites customization, allowing users the flexibility to craft their perfect tactile experience while enjoying a remarkably smooth push feel. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an ultra-low actuation force of just 1mm that makes it highly responsive to even the lightest keystrokes—ideal for rapid-fire inputs during intense gameplay. Known for its vibrant clacky sound and smooth actuation, the Vintage Citrus truly delivers a unique auditory and tactile feedback for competitive gamers. Ultimately, while both switches boast superior smoothness and distinct sound profiles, their focal points cater to different needs—one emphasizing typist experience and the other prioritizing gaming performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and HMX Vintage Citrus employ different materials for their top housings, which significantly influence the sound characteristics of each switch. The Box CJ utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This choice not only enhances the clarity of the sound but also makes it well-suited for RGB lighting because of its translucency. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This material choice produces a duller and rounder sound, which caters to users who prefer a richer typing experience. Thus, while both switches deliver engaging sound profiles, the Box CJ leans towards brightness and clarity, whereas the Vintage Citrus offers warmth and depth.
Interestingly, both the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Vintage Citrus use nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that both switches can deliver a consistent underlining sound quality characterized by a deeper and fuller profile. The similar traits of nylon, such as its ability to absorb sound and provide flexibility, ensure that players experience a softer bottom-out sound with either switch. In this regard, users will find layovers in the acoustic properties of both models, reinforcing the notion that even with differing top housing materials, the switch presence maintains a satisfying tactile experience reflective of their nylon bases.
When pressed, the tactile experience and sound emitted by both switches can be significantly affected by their top and bottom housing configurations. With the Box CJ gaining its brightness from the polycarbonate top and the fullness from the nylon bottom, users may find that they appreciate a combination of clarity and depth. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its fully nylon housing construction, provides consistency in its roundness and warmth. Hence, if you’re seeking to achieve a range of auditory experiences, understanding how the top and bottom housings work in synergy becomes crucial in achieving the desired sound profile, whether by opting for the differentiated approach of the Box CJ or the uniform sound signature of the Vintage Citrus.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Gateron Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Box CJ is the lighter option overall, as it requires less force to actuate, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, although still in the medium-light category, provides a firmer push when actuating, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Overall, while both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, the Gateron Box CJ is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch, whereas the Vintage Citrus caters to users looking for a slightly heavier action.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference highlights a contrast in user experience; the Box CJ offers a more traditional, deeper press, providing a hearty feel that some users might prefer for typing or other applications requiring tactile feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it particularly appealing for gamers who seek a more responsive experience. Ultimately, if you value depth and a more substantial keypress, the Box CJ would be the ideal choice, while the Vintage Citrus may suit those who prioritize swiftness and agility in their key presses.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 considering the sound profile of the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both switches contribute a unique auditory experience, but the characteristics diverge. The Box CJ is characterized by a bright and clacky sound, delivering sharp and snappy auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience with its crisp and percussive qualities. This switch also exhibits a chirpy aspect, adding a distinctive squeak that sets it apart from others. In contrast, details about the sound profile of the Vintage Citrus are not provided, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat unknown. Thus, while the Box CJ promises a lively soundscape, the Vintage Citrus may either offer a subtle surprise or similarly vibrant auditory feedback, depending on its eventual design.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Box CJ offers a smooth and mild typing experience. Its response is engineered to be gentle, making it approachable for both beginners and experienced typists alike, allowing for fluid keystrokes that do not overwhelm the user. Notably, the Box CJ is unlubed, giving it a raw smoothness that can be customized further if desired. On the other hand, the feel of the Vintage Citrus is not documented, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, given its design intent for gamers with a low actuation force of just 1mm, one might expect a similarly smooth and responsive encounter, albeit potentially prioritizing speed even more.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Box CJ switch shines with a well-defined clacky sound and a mild, smooth feel, the HMX Vintage Citrus remains an enigma in terms of its acoustic and tactile properties. The Box CJ stands out with its distinct auditory feedback, which enhances the typing experience, making it suitable for various contexts. Though details on the Vintage Citrus are limited, its intended purpose for rapid-fire inputs suggests it may deliver an equally engaging experience. Whether you prefer the Box CJ for its bright sounds or opt for the Vintage Citrus for its quick actuation, each switch offers unique attributes catering to different preferences, ultimately leading to satisfying typing or gaming experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your specific needs as a typist or gamer. The Box CJ is an excellent option if you prefer a smooth typing experience with a slightly higher-pitched, clacky sound profile. Its fresh, unlubed design also allows for personalization, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their switches. If your primary focus is rapid-fire gaming and quick response times, the Vintage Citrus switch would be more suitable. With its exceptionally low actuation distance and force, it caters specifically to gamers looking for speed and a bright, clacky auditory feedback. Thus, consider your primary usage: go for the Box CJ for a well-rounded typing experience or opt for the Vintage Citrus for ultra-sensitive gaming performance.
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