Gateron Box CJ vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, it becomes clear that each switch offers unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Box CJ is designed for those who desire rapid response and a higher-pitched clack, coupled with an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches provide a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a creamy, tactile sensation that appeals to users on a budget. While the Box CJ is categorized as clacky, mild, neutral, chirpy, the V3 Cream Blue Pro falls into the accented, bouncy, snappy, polished category. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing habits. However, let's delve 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
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal material for switches designed with aesthetics in mind. However, it is important to note that the use of polycarbonate in the top housing will primarily influence the sound when releasing a key, as opposed to the bottom-out sound when typing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro opt for nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This choice results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile created by polycarbonate. The qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Overall, while the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro share similarities in their housing materials, they each offer a unique typing experience due to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon used in their respective top and bottom housings. The differences in sound profiles created by these materials highlight the importance of considering not only the aesthetics but also the tactile feedback and typing experience when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether it be the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the top housing or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the bottom housing, both switches offer a distinct typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch both have similar actuation forces at 45 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams while the V3 Cream Blue Pro needs 55 grams, with the Box CJ being slightly heavier. This means that the Box CJ provides a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the V3 Cream Blue Pro to be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the Box CJ for a more pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, the Box CJ allows for a deeper press due to its longer travel distance, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for swift key inputs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is known for its higher-pitched clacks, offering a sharp and swift auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch provides a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is accompanied by a smooth tactile sensation. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Box CJ being more on the clacky side and the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a lively and audible feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is described as providing an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is noted for its accented tactile feedback, bouncing keys, snappy response, and polished finish, providing a tactile typing experience that is both responsive and refined. Both switches offer a different feel to the typist, with the Box CJ focusing more on smoothness and the V3 Cream Blue Pro emphasizing tactile feedback and responsiveness.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ provides a higher-pitched clacky sound with smooth pushing feel, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a poppy and clacky sound profile with accented tactile feedback and a polished finish. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing experiences, ensuring that users can find a switch that best suits their needs and typing style. Ultimately, whether choosing the Gateron Box CJ or the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, typists can expect a quality typing experience that meets their specific requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ linear switch or the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, it's important to consider your preferences and typing style. If you value rapid response and a smooth push feel with higher-pitched clacks, the Box CJ might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a lively, audible feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation at a budget-friendly price point, the V3 Cream Blue Pro could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by how you prioritize sound, feel, and overall typing experience in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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