Gateron CJ vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

The Gateron CJ and Gateron Ink Box Black are two mechanical keyboard switches that both offer a linear typing experience. The CJ is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, with a higher-pitched clack sound and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. While the CJ is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the Ink Box Black is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is right for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CJ Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron CJ and the Gateron Ink Box Black both utilize Gateron's proprietary INK blend for their top housing material. This material creates a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile in both switches, resulting in a satisfying and clacky sound when typing. Whether you choose the CJ or the Ink Box Black, you can expect a thin and higher-pitched sound that adds an enjoyable element to your typing experience.

Where the CJ and the Ink Box Black differ is in their bottom housing materials. The CJ incorporates a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a unique and pleasing sound profile. This POM material creates a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different typing experience compared to the Ink Box Black. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, so the CJ's POM housing will provide a distinct sensation when you press down on the keys.

In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as well. While the top and bottom housings of the Ink Box Black are made of the same material, the bottom housing still influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This implies that the Ink Box Black will also have a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, similar to the CJ. However, without the presence of POM in the bottom housing like the CJ, the Ink Box Black may differ slightly in terms of the overall typing experience.

In summary, the Gateron CJ and Gateron Ink Box Black share similarities in their top housing material, resulting in a clacky and satisfying sound. However, the CJ's utilization of a POM bottom housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the Ink Box Black's use of the same proprietary INK blend material in the bottom housing leaves it with a slightly different typing experience. Nonetheless, both switches deliver impressive sound profiles that enhance the overall tactile feedback while typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it becomes clear that they have distinct differences. The CJ switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, allowing for a more effortless triggering of keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a stronger push feeling during typing. In terms of bottom out force, the CJ switch offers a medium 60 grams, while the Ink Box Black switch has a medium-heavy 70 grams. This indicates that the Ink Box Black switch will require a bit more pressure to fully press down compared to the CJ switch. Despite these disparities, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, if lightness is preferred, the CJ switch would be more suitable, while those seeking a heavier and more substantial typing experience would lean towards the Ink Box Black switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The CJ has a travel distance of 4.0mm, which is considered a more traditional and standard distance. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm. This makes the Ink Box Black the shorter of the two switches. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance as it can result in faster response times. This is because they don't have to press the key down as far to register an action. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the longer travel distance of the CJ may be more suited to their preferences. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch has a unique and enjoyable presentation. Typing on them produces higher-pitched clacks, giving them a chirpy sound. This sets them apart and creates a distinctive acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This clacky sound is reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. The CJ is more low-pitched and thocky, while the Ink Box Black is higher-pitched and clacky. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel. It is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its qualities. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is incredibly smooth and creamy. It is referred to as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Ink Box Black is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing feel. This can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique and enjoyable presentation with higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provides an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a sharp and snappy, clacky sound. While they have their distinct qualities, both switches offer satisfying experiences. If you prefer a chirpy and thocky sound with an enjoyable push feel, the CJ switch is a great choice. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched, clacky sound with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Ink Box Black switch is the way to go.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron CJ is a great choice. These switches offer a smooth and satisfying push feel, accompanied by higher-pitched clacks. They have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, if you prioritize an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black is the way to go. These switches produce a clacky sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, and have a polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and Gateron Ink Box Black will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CJ Linear

$6.00

$5.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more