Gateron Box CJ vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is known for its swift characteristics and higher-pitched clacks, providing typists with a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Box CJ is described as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Chirpy', the Vanilla Ice Cream is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Each switch offers a unique typing experience that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics. The Box CJ utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing, offering a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While the Box CJ's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing stands out for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance.
In terms of material composition, the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ provides a clear and resonant sound, ideal for those seeking a sharper typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend top housing offers a unique high-pitched and clacky sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a distinct typing sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the Box CJ's nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material contributes to smooth and durable switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. While both switches offer distinct characteristics in their housing materials, such as the polycarbonate and nylon of the Box CJ and the proprietary blend and POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream, enthusiasts can expect different typing experiences from each. Whether you prefer a sharper and clearer sound profile with the Box CJ or a high-pitched and clacky sound signature with the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to various typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter in both aspects. The Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it medium-light overall. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a lighter feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Box CJ switch. While the differences in force may result in varied typing experiences, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch. This means that the Box CJ offers a slightly longer keypress feel compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. If you are someone who values a bit more depth and feedback in your typing experience, the Box CJ may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a shorter travel distance that allows for quicker response times, the Vanilla Ice Cream could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer different keypress feels due to their slightly different travel distances, so it comes down to personal preference when deciding between the two.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 Gateron Box CJ switch offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by sharp and snappy clicks when pressed, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bright and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound that is clean and sharp, providing typists with a unique and immersive auditory experience. While the Box CJ switch is best described as having a neutral feel, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for most users, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its buttery and creamy feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Overall, if you prefer a clacky sound and a mild feel, the Gateron Box CJ switch would be a great choice, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be perfect for those looking for a high-pitched and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, with both switches offering high-quality attributes that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a smooth, swift typing experience with higher-pitched clacks, then the Box CJ may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a creamy, buttery typing sensation with a high-pitched sound profile, then the Vanilla Ice Cream could be the perfect fit. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing speed when making your decision, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels right for you.
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