Gateron Box CJ vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. On one hand, the Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that excels in providing a smooth and swift typing experience, designed for rapid response. It delivers a unique higher-pitched clack and an effortless gliding feel, making it ideal for typists who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Additionally, the unlubed nature of the Box CJ presents a raw expression of smoothness or a base for enthusiasts to fine-tune with lubrication. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch that offers a pronounced tactile bump accompanied by a bassier sound, perfect for those who enjoy feedback with each keystroke. This switch excels in providing satisfying resistance and sound, making it a popular choice for typists who appreciate a more nuanced typing experience. While the Box CJ caters to speed and smoothness, the Creamy Purple Pro emphasizes tactile engagement and auditory feedback. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
The Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches share a significant similarity in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile common to both switches. Polycarbonate’s stiffness allows for a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall acoustic experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes these switches particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, effectively amplifying visual effects and providing a visually appealing aesthetic.
In contrast to their identical top housing, the two switches diverge in their bottom housing materials. The Gateron Box CJ employs a nylon bottom housing, which has a reputation for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike the stiffer polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, allowing for a more muted and rounded audio experience. This characteristic is essential when considering how sound generated during keypresses and releases is impacted, as the bottom housing contributes heavily to the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro leads to both unique and analogous acoustic properties. While both switches feature clear polycarbonate top housings that promise a bright and sharp sound, the difference in bottom housing materials means that the overall audio profile will vary; the Box CJ offers a softer and more rounded bottoming sound due to its nylon construction. Therefore, even though both switches offer appealing sound profiles, the nuances of their different bottom housings result in distinct auditory experiences when typing, blending both clarity and warmth in varying measures.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Box CJ has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which requires a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the lighter 30 grams of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out forces, the Box CJ again presents a heavier option at 57 grams compared to the 50 grams of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. As a result, the Box CJ, being the heavier switch overall, may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Akko option is lighter, making it preferable for individuals who enjoy a more effortlessly responsive typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch differ in travel distance, with the Box CJ measuring 4 mm and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro at 3 mm. The Box CJ, with its traditional travel distance of 4 mm, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing a key, providing a hearty depth that some find satisfying. In contrast, the 3 mm travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a more shallow and responsive feel, making it particularly favorable for gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, those who prefer the benefits of shorter travel distances may gravitate towards the Akko switch, while the Gateron option will be more suited for individuals who enjoy a deeper key press.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch stands out due to its higher-pitched clacks, which create a sharp and snappy auditory profile that is both crisp and bright. This clacky sound can be characterized as percussive, adding an engaging element to the typing experience. Additionally, the Box CJ exhibits a unique chirpy quality, adding a distinct character to its acoustic signature. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is known for its bassier sound profile, which features a louder sound signature. This deeper pitch can create a more resonant auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer a robust sound. However, due to variability based on the keyboard and keycap combination, users may find that they can achieve similar results in personality with both switches.
In terms of feel, the Box CJ provides a notably smooth push feel, allowing for effortless gliding as fingers traverse from key to key. It is designed to cater to typists looking for a rapid response, which complements its user-friendly mild characteristics. This makes it approachable for a broad range of users, ensuring that the typing experience remains comfortable without an overwhelming sensation. On the other hand, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a more pronounced tactile bump, providing greater feedback and encouraging a more deliberate typing experience. However, the specifics of its tactile sensation are not detailed, leaving some mystery about its overall feel compared to the Box CJ.
In summary, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches bring unique acoustic and tactile qualities to the table. The Box CJ impresses with its crisp, percussive sounds and smooth typing experience, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a louder, bassier sound along with strong tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users may find that both switches can cater to diverse typing needs, allowing enthusiasts to curate their mechanical keyboard experience according to their desired qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Box CJ linear switches and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switches largely depends on your typing style and personal preferences. Opt for the Gateron Box CJ if you prioritize speed and a smooth, effortless keypress. With its medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, it's an ideal choice for fast typists and gamers who enjoy a crisp, clacky sound profile that enhances the auditory experience. The unlubed nature of this switch also allows you to fine-tune its action to your liking, making it a great option for enthusiasts looking for customization. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is your go-to. With a bottom out force of just 50 grams, this switch offers a satisfying tactile bump and a bassier sound signature, suited for those who enjoy the physical sensation of key presses while typing or gaming. In short, your choice should hinge on whether you value speed and smoothness (Gateron Box CJ) or a tactile experience with a lighter push (Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro).
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