Gateron Box CJ vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Box CJ and the HMX Xinhai are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Box CJ is well-regarded for its swift response and high-pitched clacks, providing a smooth push feel that is ideal for those who desire rapid feedback. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out with its softer acoustics profile and distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, making it a great choice for typists looking for a blend of sophistication and performance. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Box CJ and the Xinhai utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the resonance of the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aesthetic. The shared material choice for the top housing ensures that both switches deliver comparable sound profiles and aesthetics to users.
In terms of their bottom housing material, the Box CJ and the Xinhai both feature nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastics for the housing. This material choice for the bottom housing ensures that users of both switches will experience a similar typing sound and feel, creating a consistent experience across different brands and models.
The division of materials between the top and bottom housings in switches like the Box CJ and the Xinhai allows each housing material to contribute distinct qualities to the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. This division ensures a balanced typing experience with a combination of the sharper polycarbonate sound from the top housing and the deeper nylon sound from the bottom housing, providing users with a nuanced and dynamic typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch showcase a noticeable difference in weight. The Box CJ features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the Xinhai boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Box CJ provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Xinhai. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Xinhai, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Alternatively, the Box CJ offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push force. Both switches provide different weight options to cater to individual preferences, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Box CJ has a slightly longer travel distance, making it the longer option compared to the Xinhai. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Box CJ is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the 3.4mm travel distance of the Xinhai is shallower, providing a quicker response time which is preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize depth or speed in your typing experience.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ switch is described as producing a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch also falls under the clacky category, emitting a crisp and bright sound when pressed. Both switches offer a higher-pitched resonance, making them suitable for those who prefer a distinctive and assertive typing sound. Ultimately, if sound is a crucial factor for you, both the Box CJ and Xinhai switches will deliver similar results with their clacky profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel. The keys glide effortlessly, thanks to the smooth push feel that the Box CJ is known for. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback when pressed. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is touted for its creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. Whether you prefer a mild and smooth feel or a bouncy and lively touch, both the Box CJ and Xinhai switches cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, while the Gateron Box CJ and HMX Xinhai switches have some differences in sound and feel, they both offer unique qualities that cater to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you prioritize a clacky sound or a specific typing sensation, both switches provide users with options that can enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, when deciding between the Box CJ and Xinhai switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a swift, high-pitched clack with smooth push feel, then the Gateron Box CJ may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a softer acoustics profile with a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, then the HMX Xinhai switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience you're looking for and your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
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