Gateron Box CJ vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, there are noticeable differences that cater to varying preferences. The Gateron Box CJ is celebrated for its swift characteristics, providing typists with rapid response and higher-pitched clacks. It offers an incredibly smooth push feel that is unlubed, allowing for customization to achieve the desired level of smoothness. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, striking a balance for those looking for a comfortable typing experience. While the Box CJ is more clacky and mild, the Violet Gold Pro is described as stepped and neutral. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Box CJ and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, enhancing the visual aesthetic of the keyboard. With similar top housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and overall design when using either of these switches.
In contrast, the Gateron Box CJ and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Box CJ using nylon and the Violet Gold Pro also opting for nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may offer users a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound and overall feel, with the potential for a deeper and more muted sound profile when using switches with nylon bottom housings.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings will affect different aspects of the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch, showcasing the significance of materials like polycarbonate and nylon in creating a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, making them light switches that are easy to type on. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ has a heavier force of 57 grams, providing a bit more resistance compared to the Violet Gold Pro, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Box CJ offers a medium-light feel, striking a balance between typing comfort and feedback, while the Violet Gold Pro's bottom out force remains a mystery. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Violet Gold Pro may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Box CJ may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Box CJ being on the longer side and the Violet Gold Pro being on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Box CJ for its slightly longer travel distance, as it can provide a more satisfying key press feel, while those looking for a quicker response time may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 offers a clacky and higher-pitched sound that provides a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, with the Box CJ leaning towards a more lively and sharp sound, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a more balanced and neutral sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, giving typists a seamless typing experience. The switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile experience with two distinct stages. This gives typists a unique typing feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ switch provides a clacky and higher-pitched sound with a smooth push feel, creating a lively and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a neutral sound profile with a stepped tactile feel, providing a balanced and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Box CJ leaning towards speed and responsiveness, while the Violet Gold Pro focuses on balance and tactility. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect to get varying but equally satisfying results with these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you are someone who values speed and a smooth typing experience with a higher-pitched clack, then the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile typing experience with a light touch and neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or tactile feedback and balance in your typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.
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