Gateron Box CJ vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch to the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it's evident that both offer unique features and advantages for different types of typists. The Box CJ is renowned for its rapid response and higher-pitched clacks, providing a smooth push feel that is both swift and precise. On the other hand, the White Lotus is designed with a light tactile option that offers a delicate tactility for extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. The White Lotus also stands out for its removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects that enhance the overall typing experience. While the Box CJ is ideal for those who prefer a clacky and neutral switch, the White Lotus caters to individuals looking for an easy-to-press and subtle tactile switch. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the Durock White Lotus both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, making them visually appealing. However, the White Lotus also boasts a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the Box CJ. In terms of sound, both switches offer a clear and resonant profile, but the White Lotus may have a slight edge in terms of feel and aesthetics due to its special housing blend.
On the other hand, both the Box CJ and the White Lotus have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that is preferred by some users for a more satisfying typing experience. While the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to the overall sound profile, they may also affect the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press. This shared feature between the two switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Overall, although the Gateron Box CJ and the Durock White Lotus share similarities in their choice of housing materials, they also offer unique features that set them apart from each other. While the Box CJ focuses on the benefits of polycarbonate for a clear and resonant sound profile with added visual appeal, the White Lotus distinguishes itself with a special PC & UPE Blend top housing for a premium feel. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it can be seen that both switches are quite similar in terms of weight. The Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that both switches fall under the category of medium-light switches. The actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke, while bottom out force measures how much force is needed to press the key all the way down. For those who prefer lighter switches, both the Box CJ and White Lotus would be suitable options for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may opt for switches with heavier forces. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of weight, making them both viable options for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance of travel from the top to the bottom. With both switches having equal travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for a comparable typing experience, making it a matter of personal preference between linear and tactile switches rather than travel distance.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 higher-pitched clacks, providing a sharp and snappy sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched sound, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch is described as providing an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Meanwhile, the Durock White Lotus switch is praised for its easy-to-press quality, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Box CJ leaning towards smoothness and the White Lotus focusing on ease of activation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ excels in providing higher-pitched clacks and a smooth typing experience, while the White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound and easy-to-press tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches are excellent options for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboard setup with high-quality mechanical switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, consider your typing needs and preferences. If you value rapid response and enjoy a higher-pitched clack sound with an effortlessly smooth push feel, the Box CJ may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance, ideal for work and extended typing sessions, along with vibrant RGB lighting effects, the White Lotus switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or light tactility and illumination in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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