Gateron Box CJ vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The Box CJ is favored for its swift and clacky response, providing a higher-pitched sound and smooth push feel that is ideal for typists seeking rapid response. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is known for its smooth and substantial feel, offering a solid and responsive keystroke with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out for clear feedback. While the Box CJ is categorized as clacky, mild, and neutral, the V3 Matcha Green Pro boasts attributes such as bouncy, creamy, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and intended use, as both offer unique qualities that cater to different 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
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Box CJ utilizing nylon while the V3 Matcha Green Pro also opts for nylon. This material choice yields a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches due to nylon's softer nature and sound absorption properties.
Despite both switches sharing the same top housing material, the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro have differing bottom housing materials. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, this material choice impacts the overall typing experience by creating a duller and rounder sound. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings means that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing affects the sound upon releasing a key. This subtle variation in materials demonstrates how different housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp and clear sound profile suitable for RGB lighting. Both switches also utilize nylon for the bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound experience during typing. The nuances between the top and bottom housing materials highlight how different materials can impact the sound and feel of a switch, showcasing how the choice of housing materials can influence the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch which has an actuation force of 55 grams, making the Box CJ the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ has a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it the heavier option. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Box CJ leaning towards the lighter side and the V3 Matcha Green Pro towards the heavier side. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Box CJ for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the V3 Matcha Green Pro for a more substantial typing feel. In general, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Box CJ, while those who prefer a heavier feel may choose the V3 Matcha Green Pro.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Box CJ offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a slightly deeper key press compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Gateron Box CJ. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so regardless of the travel distance, users can expect a similar typing experience.
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 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is known for its high-pitched clacks, creating a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box CJ leaning towards a clacky sound and the Matcha Green Pro offering a more resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is lauded for its impossibly smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. This results in a mild typing experience that stands in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a solid and substantial feel, with a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out that provides clear and tactile feedback. The Matcha Green Pro switch falls under descriptors like bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a range of sensations to suit varied preferences.
Overall, while the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches cater to individuals seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience. Whether you prefer the higher-pitched clacks of the Box CJ or the resonant sound of the Matcha Green Pro, both switches deliver in terms of tactile feedback and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ linear switch or the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prioritize rapid response and a smooth glide while appreciating a clacky sound profile, the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a substantial and satisfying keystroke with a sharp bottom out and resonant clacks, the V3 Matcha Green Pro could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it is important to consider what factors are most important to you when selecting your ideal mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what aligns best with your typing preferences and overall keyboard experience.
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