Gateron Box CJ vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Box CJ and PH Studio Yoel are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is renowned for its swift response and higher-pitched clacks, providing typists with a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel, manufactured by BSUN, offers a chewy typing sensation with a bright and clacky sound profile, creating a satisfying resonance upon bottoming-out keys. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Yoel falls under 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched' categories. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and PH Studio Yoel both feature a top housing made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to the CJ's nylon bottom housing, which produces a fuller and rounder sound. These differences in bottom housing material contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Gateron Box CJ and PH Studio Yoel switches share the benefits of having a polycarbonate top housing. The top housing's material plays a significant role in the sound profile of the switches, creating a clear and resonant sound that is especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of the CJ and the POM bottom housing of the Yoel offer distinct sound qualities, with the nylon providing a deeper sound and the POM producing a more muted tone. This highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is essential to recognize that the qualities of the top and bottom housings are split between the two components. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Gateron Box CJ and the polycarbonate and POM in the PH Studio Yoel result in distinct typing experiences due to the unique sound profiles each material contributes to the switches. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Yoel switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams compared to the 45 grams of the Box CJ. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Box CJ at 57 grams and the Yoel at 60 grams. This means that while the Yoel switch requires more force to initiate a keystroke, both switches provide a similar level of resistance when fully pressed down. This difference in actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may opt for the Yoel switch with a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Box CJ offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke that may feel more substantial to some users. On the other hand, the Yoel switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer smooth linear actuation, but the slight difference in travel distance may cater to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 characterized by a clacky profile, delivering sharp and snappy sounds with a higher-pitched tone that provides a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch also offers a clacky sound profile, but with a brighter and more resonant quality, producing a satisfying and pronounced resonance when keys reach their bottom-out point. While both switches share a clacky sound profile, the Gateron Box CJ leans towards a higher-pitched clack, while the PH Studio Yoel has a more resonant and marbly sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ offers typists an incredibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing a mild and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Conversely, the PH Studio Yoel switch delivers a delectably chewy typing experience that envelops fingertips with every press, offering a creamy and silky sensation like gliding fingers across butter. The Yoel switch is described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and effortless key travel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Box CJ and the PH Studio Yoel linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ provides a higher-pitched clack sound and a mild typing experience, while the Yoel switch delivers a bright and resonant sound profile paired with a creamy and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the crisp and clacky sound of the Box CJ or the bright and chewy typing experience of the Yoel switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a rapid response with a higher-pitched clack and smooth push feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is the way to go. Consider your typing preferences and the sound and feel you are looking for when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style.
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