Gateron Box CJ vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are two popular options to consider. The Box CJ is known for its swift response and higher-pitched clacks, providing typists with a smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is praised for its budget-friendly price and all-around performance, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a satisfyingly thick resistance. While the Box CJ leans towards a clacky and neutral sound profile, the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a bassy and low-pitched sound. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) lies in the materials used for their housing. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Both materials have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption capabilities. While the top housing of a switch influences the sound when pressing down and letting go of a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box CJ offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share the use of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality. Ultimately, whether you prefer a crisper sound profile or a deeper sound experience will determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are some differences to consider. The Box CJ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 50 grams, making it easier to activate the keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro needs 62 grams, making the latter slightly heavier. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Box CJ, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier touch. Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches may cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will get a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance. This makes them suitable for users who prefer a consistent feel when typing or gaming. The equal travel distance of both switches allows for a consistent typing experience across different keyboard layouts and designs.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 clacky and chirpy sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy key press experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound, delivering a deep and satisfying tone. Both switches present different auditory experiences, with the Box CJ offering a higher-pitched clack and the Milky Yellow Pro showcasing a smoother, bass-heavy sound. The choice between the two would depend on personal preferences in sound profile, with the Box CJ catering to those who enjoy a sharper, more percussive sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro appeals to individuals who prefer a deeper and richer tone during key presses.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is known for its buttery and textured feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. These contrasting descriptions highlight the different tactile sensations each switch provides, with the Box CJ offering a more neutral and approachable feel, while the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a seamless and effortless typing sensation with a textured feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences in typing feel, with the Box CJ catering to those who prefer a milder typing experience and the Milky Yellow Pro appealing to users who enjoy a buttery and textured feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box CJ provides a clacky and mild typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and gentler key presses, while the Milky Yellow Pro gives a bassy and buttery feel with a thocky sound profile and textured feedback. Depending on personal preferences in sound and feel, users can choose between the sharper, chirpy sound and mild feel of the Box CJ or the deeper, thocky sound and buttery, textured feel of the Milky Yellow Pro. Both switches are excellent options in their own right, offering different typing experiences that cater to a range of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ linear switch or the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a faster response time and smoother glide with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Box CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option that excels in both gaming and typing, providing a satisfyingly thick resistance and low, "thocky" sound, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) could be the perfect fit. Remember to consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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