Gateron Box CJ vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Yellow Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is a linear switch known for its swift characteristics and higher-pitched clacks, appealing to those who seek rapid response and a smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver from Outemu boasts a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists looking for speediness and responsiveness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Yellow Silver, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Box CJ and Yellow Silver will offer similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to their top housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Box CJ features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. This shared choice of bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent typing experience in terms of sound output and overall tactile feedback.
Overall, the differing choices in bottom housing material between the Gateron Box CJ and the Outemu Yellow Silver have minimal impact on the overall typing experience. While the Box CJ and Yellow Silver share the same nylon bottom housing material, their individual top housings made of polycarbonate provide unique characteristics to each switch. The Box CJ will offer a sharper and crisper sound profile when pressing down on keys, while the Yellow Silver's sound will be influenced more when releasing the key. In the end, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with a combination of sharpness, depth, and clarity in sound output.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is the same at 45 grams, making them both light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams, while the Yellow Silver requires slightly less at 55 grams. This means that the Box CJ is slightly heavier when it comes to pressing all the way down on the key. Both switches provide a medium-light typing experience, but those who prefer a slightly lighter feel may lean towards the Outemu Yellow Silver, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may prefer the Gateron Box CJ. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes due to their similar travel distances. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron Box CJ or the Outemu Yellow Silver, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is known for its clacky and slightly chirpy sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience that can be quite distinct. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch provides a more neutral sound, suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Depending on personal preference and setup, the sound of these switches can vary, especially when combined with different keyboards and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch is praised for its mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless push feel that is approachable for most users. The Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch's feel is not explicitly described, but since it is favored by gamers and typists who seek speed and responsiveness, it can be inferred that it provides a similar level of smoothness and ease of use.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch stands out for its clacky and smooth typing experience, making it a great choice for those who value both sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch caters to individuals looking for a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, ideal for quick and precise typing tasks. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it would be wise to consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, typing style, and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a higher-pitched clacky sound with a smooth push feel, the Gateron Box CJ would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a neutral sound profile that is favorable for both gaming and typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits.
Mentioned in this article
