Gateron Box CJ vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer unique features and characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is renowned for its rapid response and higher-pitched clacks, perfect for those seeking a swift and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile excels in noise reduction and tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for office settings where a quiet yet satisfying typing experience is desired. Each switch is categorized differently, with the Box CJ being described as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', while the WS Silent Tactile is labeled as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Muted'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, we see that the Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing while the WS Silent Tactile uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences of the user.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Box CJ and the WS Silent Tactile feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the switches may still offer subtle differences in sound and feel based on their overall design and construction. It is important to consider how the combination of top and bottom housing materials interacts to create the overall typing experience of each switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile play a significant role in defining the sound profile and typing feel of each switch. While the Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches share nylon bottom housings, which emphasize a similar sound profile. Understanding how these materials interact with each other and with other components of the switch can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that they offer different tactile experiences. The Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Silent Tactile, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the WS Silent Tactile requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams, while the Box CJ has a bottom out force of 57 grams. This means that the Box CJ provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, while the WS Silent Tactile offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Box CJ being lighter and the WS Silent Tactile being heavier in this comparison.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Box CJ offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it ideal for those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile provides a shorter travel distance, catering to individuals looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both options offer a good range of travel distance, but it ultimately depends on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is known for producing a clacky noise, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offers a more muted sound profile, thanks to its design that minimizes noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard and keycaps, one can choose between the clacky sound of the Box CJ or the quieter typing experience provided by the WS Silent Tactile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, catering to those who prefer a more gentle sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch provides an accented tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming or subtle, creating an invigorating typing sensation with a medium level of tactility. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Box CJ leaning towards a milder feel and the WS Silent Tactile offering a more pronounced feedback.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Box CJ provides a clacky sound and mild feel, the WS Silent Tactile offers a quieter typing experience with accented tactility. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that appeal to different types of users, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. If a quieter typing experience is preferred, the WS Silent Tactile would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and gentler feel may opt for the Gateron Box CJ.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers rapid response, high-pitched clacks, and a smooth glide, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent yet tactile typing experience, ideal for office environments, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch would be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or silence and tactile feedback in your typing experience.
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