Gateron CJ vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. The CJ offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a 'chirpy' and 'thocky' sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, delivering a 'creamy' and 'snappy' typing experience with a unique poppy and clacky sound. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, it is clear that the CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a more pointed and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing. The INK blend by Gateron is known for its satisfying thin and clacky sound, while polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. However, both top housings offer a distinct sound profile that enhances the typing experience, with the CJ's INK blend being slightly higher-pitched and the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate providing a more resonant tone, particularly when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the CJ's POM housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound. POM housings are praised for their unique sound while nylon is a classic material that creates a deeper typing experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller but more satisfying sound as compared to the deeper yet muted sound of POM. Both bottom housings bring their own qualities to the typing experience, with POM offering a unique feel and sound, while nylon provides a fuller and more rounded tone.
The differences in housing materials between the Gateron CJ and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro allow for users to choose based on their preference for sound profiles. While the CJ utilizes a combination of INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing for a higher-pitched and deeper sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro combines polycarbonate top housing with nylon bottom housing for a sharper and fuller sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that enhance typing experience, with the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key, and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, users can select the switch that aligns with their desired sound profile and typing preferences.
Weight
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch both fall into the medium to medium-heavy weight category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CJ has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro's 55 grams, making the CJ slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the Gateron CJ also has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro's heavier 65 grams, providing a less forceful typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron CJ may be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. In either case, both switches offer a similar feel in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to achieve comparable results based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the CJ switch has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro switch. The CJ switch's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance is ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. In terms of travel distance, the CJ switch offers a longer press, while the V3 Cream Black Pro switch provides a shorter and faster typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 CJ for $5.35.
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 CJ linear switch stands out for its chirpy and impossibly smooth push feel, providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience with higher-pitched clacks. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound with notable smoothness, described as high-pitched. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on individual preferences. When it comes to feel, the CJ switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a bouncy and snappy feel. These qualities contribute to a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that the Gateron CJ and Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ switch provides a chirpy sound with a mild typing feel, while the V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a high-pitched sound with a creamy and bouncy typing experience. Both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both options provide unique and enjoyable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a unique higher-pitched clack sound with a smooth push feel, the Gateron CJ may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly heavier bottom out force and appreciate a poppy and clacky sound with notable smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro could be the perfect fit. Think about whether you prefer a chirpy or neutral sound profile, as well as whether you enjoy a mild or creamy typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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