Gateron Box CJ vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the SP-Star Yanyu mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Box CJ is renowned for its swift and rapid response, ideal for typists seeking a higher-pitched clack and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch stands out for providing a delicate typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions with its crisp sound profile. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Neutral', the Yanyu switch falls under categories like 'Thocky' and 'Subtle'. 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
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the SP-Star Yanyu offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Box CJ's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting with its translucency. In contrast, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant and brighter sound profile, providing a unique typing experience that is not overly sharp.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Box CJ utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for the bottom housing offers a unique combination that contributes to a pleasant and slightly brighter sound profile, complementing the characteristics of its top housing.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Box CJ and the SP-Star Yanyu provide users with distinct typing experiences based on the top and bottom housing choices. While the Box CJ offers a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for a crisp top housing and deep bottom housing sound profile, the Yanyu's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE provides a brighter and more balanced sound experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences for typing.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams of force while the Yanyu only needs 43 grams, making it lighter. The Box CJ offers a medium-light feel, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback, while the Yanyu offers a lighter touch for quicker keystrokes. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Box CJ, while individuals looking for a lighter option for extended typing or gaming sessions may opt for the Yanyu. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. When comparing these two switches, it is evident that they offer the same tactile experience in terms of travel distance. Pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches will result in a consistent 4 mm travel distance, providing a similar typing experience for the user. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is the same, ensuring that users will get comparable results regardless of which one they choose.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky and higher-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a crisp sound that may be more delicate and suitable for extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a pleasant typing sound, with the Box CJ offering a more distinctive clacky sound and the Yanyu a more neutral and thocky sound depending on personal preference and typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is praised for its incredibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Yanyu linear switch also offers a mild typing experience, but with additional qualities such as feathery lightness and subtleness in resistance, aiming to reduce finger fatigue and provide comfortable typing for gaming, school, or work. Whether seeking a smooth and polished typing experience with the Box CJ or a light and feathery feel with the Yanyu, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience for various preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is ideal for those who prioritize a clacky and smooth typing experience, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch caters to users looking for a more delicate and feathery typing feel. Both switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the choice between them depending on individual preferences and typing needs. Whether choosing the Box CJ or the Yanyu, users can expect a satisfying and comfortable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prioritize rapid response, higher-pitched clacks, and a smooth push feel, the Box CJ with its medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate typing experience, a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, and a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch may be more suitable. Additionally, the Yanyu offers options for reduced finger fatigue with its feathery feel and polished finish. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more gentle typing experience.
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