Gateron Box CJ vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stand out as top choices for different reasons. The Gateron Box CJ is a linear switch that offers rapid response and smooth push feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and precision in their typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a delightful feel. While the Box CJ is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Chirpy', the Lavender Purple Pro is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished'. Ultimately, each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Housing materials
The Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housings in both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
While both switches share similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, the Gateron Box CJ and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro differ in their bottom housing materials with the former featuring nylon and the latter also utilizing nylon. This difference in housing materials contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Gateron Box CJ's nylon bottom housing provides a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience with a combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials in their housing construction.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can influence the sound profile and typing experience of a mechanical switch. The use of polycarbonate for the top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for users who prefer a more distinct typing feedback. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in both switches offers a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing a more rounded typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch creates a balanced and nuanced typing experience for users to enjoy.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we can see that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the Gateron Box CJ has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 55 grams, making the Gateron switch slightly heavier when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, either of these switches would provide a comfortable experience. However, for individuals who prefer a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron Box CJ may be the preferred choice due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is best suited for individual needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times. Gamers may lean towards the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the Gateron Box CJ. Overall, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Lavender 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 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a delightful typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Box CJ provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers an accented feel with a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, along with a bouncy and snappy sensation that gives a lively and responsive typing experience.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box CJ emphasizes a clacky sound and mild feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro focuses on a higher-pitched sound and an accented, bouncy, and snappy tactile feel. If you prefer a more rapid response and smoother push feel with clacky sound, the Box CJ would be an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a satisfying tactile bump with a delightful sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great fit. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel for your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it all comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are someone who values rapid response and a smooth push feel with a higher-pitched clack, then the Box CJ would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a delightful combination of a higher-pitched sound profile, a satisfying tactile bump, and a medium-light bottom out force, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would suit your typing style better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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