Kailh Box Royal vs. Gateron CJ
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that are worth considering are the Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, and the Gateron CJ, a linear switch. Both switches have distinct characteristics that may suit different preferences and typing styles. The Box Royal is renowned for its incredibly tactile nature, offering a sharp and binary tactility that is hard to beat. If you prefer a switch that delivers an almost aggressive tactility, the Box Royals will be the perfect choice for you. Additionally, these switches produce a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to your typing experience. On the other hand, the CJ switches offer a unique take on linear switches. With CJ switches, you can expect higher-pitched clacks while typing, paired with an unbelievably smooth and effortless push feel. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the CJ switches provide a pleasant and versatile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your personal preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Gateron CJ differ in terms of their sound profiles and overall characteristics. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the CJ utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Although not overly sharp, it is often described as clacky.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Box Royal once again employs nylon as the material. As mentioned earlier, the nylon bottom housing contributes to the switch's deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softness and ability to absorb sound create a more muted and rounded sound overall. On the other hand, the CJ uses POM bottom housings, which offer a unique and pleasing sound profile. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted compared to the Box Royal's nylon bottom housing.
In terms of the impact on the switch's sound and feel, the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more evident, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. The choice of housing material for the bottom housing will greatly influence this aspect of the switch. Conversely, the sound experienced when letting go of a key is more influenced by the top housing. Thus, the selection of the top housing material will have a significant impact on the switch's sound profile upon key release. Despite their differences, both switches offer their own unique attributes and can still provide satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences between the two. The Box Royal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the CJ requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Box Royal is heavier at 70 grams compared to the CJ's 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially during long typing or gaming sessions, the CJ switch may be the better option. Its slightly lighter actuation force can provide a smoother and faster typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be advantageous for users who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
It's worth noting that while the Box Royal is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, the differences between the two switches are not significant. Therefore, those who prefer the lighter actuation force of the CJ may still find a similar result when typing on the Box Royal due to the relatively small discrepancy. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, it is evident that the CJ has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box Royal has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common, it is worth considering personal preferences when choosing between the two. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Box Royal a potentially better option for them. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press may lean towards the CJ due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on an individual's preference for responsiveness or depth when pressing keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 CJ for $5.35.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is best known for its sharp, binary tactility. If you prefer an almost aggressive level of tactility, these switches are perfect for you. The sound profile of the Box Royal is relatively higher pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique presentation of a linear switch. When typing on them, you will hear higher-pitched clacks and experience an impossibly smooth push feel. The CJ switches have a chirpy sound with a little squeak, giving them a distinct acoustic signature. The switch falls into the moderate actuation force and sound profile category, making it suitable for various purposes.
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch produces a high-pitched sound, while the Gateron CJ linear switch falls into the chirpy and neutral sound categories. The CJ switch can also have a low-pitched thocky sound, which is characteristic of a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch offers a sharp tactile experience. Its strong and crisp tactile bump provides a high feedback intensity, making each keypress distinct. On the other hand, the Gateron CJ switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The CJ switch falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of both sound and feel, making it approachable for most users.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides an aggressive, high-pitched tactility with a relatively higher pitched sound profile. The CJ switch, on the other hand, offers a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, with higher-pitched clacks and a smooth push feel. While the two switches differ in their qualities, both can provide satisfying results depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you're someone who values aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a sharp and binary tactility, providing a distinct and intense feedback with every keypress. Additionally, the Box Royal produces a relatively higher-pitched sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, along with a smoother push feel and higher-pitched clacks, then the Gateron CJ linear switch would suit you well. With a moderate actuation force requirement and a chirpy sound profile, the CJ offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for tactility and sound. If you value strong feedback and intense tactility, along with a higher-pitched sound, go for the Box Royal. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother push feel, higher-pitched clacks, and a more moderate typing experience, the CJ would be a great choice. Consider your typing style, preferences, and desired sound profile to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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