Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, both linear switches. The Box CJ is renowned for its swift response time and higher-pitched clacks, making it ideal for those who desire a fast and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black is celebrated for its premium quality at an affordable price, offering a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation and bottom-out forces. The auditory experience of the G Pro 3.0 Black is characterized by a medium-high pitch, while its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The key difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black lies in the top housing. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black uses a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both materials result in a high-pitched sound, the polycarbonate in the Box CJ is known for its transparency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Box CJ utilizes a nylon material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black features a POM bottom housing that creates a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side, with a relatively more muted tone. The nylon housing in the Box CJ is known for its ability to create a rounder sound, while the POM housing in the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a different type of depth to the sound of the switch.
In terms of overall typing experience, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in both switches will impact the sound and feel of typing. The qualities of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it is evident that the Box CJ is the lighter option. The Box CJ has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a medium-heavy typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Box CJ makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier forces of the G Pro 3.0 Black cater to individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches provide similar results in terms of performance, with the distinction lying in the force required for actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and typing experience. Ultimately, whether using the Gateron Box CJ or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, users can expect consistent and satisfying keypresses with a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 provides a clacky and high-pitched auditory experience, offering typists a crisp and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch also produces a clacky sound but with a more subdued and dampened quality. Depending on your preference for sound, the Box CJ may be more suitable for those who enjoy a sharper and snappier typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Black is ideal for those looking for a more subtle and muted sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch offers an impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly, providing typists with a mild and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is described as creamy and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The G Pro 3.0 Black also provides a balanced medium-heavy feel with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, catering to those who prefer a more substantive typing experience.
Overall, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth and gentle typing feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch would be a great choice. Conversely, if you enjoy a clacky sound with a subdued and silky typing sensation that offers a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent quality and performance, so you can expect similar results in terms of durability and reliability regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you value rapid response, a higher-pitched clack sound, and a smooth push feel, the Box CJ with its medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantive typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, a balanced medium-heavy feel, and a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Black could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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