Gateron Box CJ vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers rapid response and smooth key presses, the Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow both stand out as excellent choices. The Box CJ is designed for those who seek higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel, making it ideal for typists who desire a precise and efficient typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Yellow linear switches offer a more classic feel with a satisfying bounce and a familiar sound signature that many enthusiasts appreciate. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', the WS Yellow is labeled as 'Creamy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Box CJ and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Box CJ uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Yellow utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, offering a consistent typing experience with a similar sound profile across the entire switch.
While both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housing, the Gateron Box CJ differs with its polycarbonate top housing. This creates a unique sound profile that is sharper and higher-pitched compared to the fuller sound produced by the WS Yellow's nylon top housing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound while typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Gateron Box CJ or a fuller sound with the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, both switches deliver in terms of acoustics and feel.
In terms of construction, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Gateron Box CJ's combination of polycarbonate and nylon provides a balance between a sharp, clear sound profile and a deeper, fuller sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housings results in a softer, more absorbent sound profile throughout the entire switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique acoustic characteristics that cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in the design of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it is clear that there are some differences between the two. The Gateron Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Yellow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of around 57 to 53 grams, making them both medium-light in terms of typing experience. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Gateron Box CJ, while the WS Yellow may offer a slightly firmer push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force required for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box CJ being slightly longer. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the WS Yellow with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Box CJ. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Yellow comes in at $3.50 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Box CJ and Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches, it is evident that the Box CJ offers a clacky and higher-pitched sound profile, while the WS Yellow's sound characteristics are unspecified. This means that if you prefer a sharp and snappy sound when typing, the Box CJ may be the better choice, but if you are looking for a different sound profile, you may need to try out the WS Yellow switches to determine if they meet your preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Box CJ provides an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches are described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. If you enjoy a gentle typing sensation and a safe middle-ground feel, the Box CJ may be more suitable for you, but if you prefer a silky sensation with effortless keystrokes, the WS Yellow switches could be a better fit.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Gateron Box CJ and Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box CJ is known for its clacky sound and smooth push feel, the WS Yellow switches provide a creamy typing experience and a satisfying bounce. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, so trying out both switches to see which one aligns with your typing style and preferences would be the most effective way to determine the ideal choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and a smooth push feel, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce, lightweight construction, and a smooth and fluid typing experience, the WS Yellow could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that best suits your preferences for a truly enjoyable typing experience.
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