Gateron CJ vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offer unique experiences for users. The CJ is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks, providing a refreshing take on traditional linear switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its budget-friendly yet high-quality performance, offering a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. While the CJ excels in its 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', and 'Mild' characteristics, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is characterized by being 'Accented', 'Bouncy', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own appeal, catering 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting with its translucency. However, both switches offer a distinct sound experience thanks to their top housing materials.
On the bottom housing side, the CJ's POM housing produces a deep and muted sound profile, adding a unique element to the typing experience. In comparison, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. While both switches offer different sound profiles based on their bottom housing materials, their overall typing experiences are influenced by these bottom housings' characteristics.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings are split between the two for each switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. While the Gateron CJ and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, one significant difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CJ has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier touch. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a smoother and lighter typing feel. The CJ switch is slightly heavier in both aspects compared to the Cream Blue Pro, making it more suitable for users who prefer a firmer keystroke. However, both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, ensuring that typing on either will still result in a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with some opting for the lighter touch of the Cream Blue Pro and others favoring the heavier actuation of the CJ.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The CJ switch has a longer travel distance, providing more depth and tactility when pressed. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch has a shorter travel distance, making it more responsive and preferred by gamers for faster reaction times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the CJ switch offering a deeper press and the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 CJ linear switch is best described as having a higher-pitched clack, giving it a chirpy and unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a lively, audible feedback. Both switches offer enjoyable sound experiences, with the CJ being more on the high-pitched side and the V3 Cream Blue Pro having a more poppy and clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel, offering a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is described as bouncy and snappy, providing a spring-like feedback and a super responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Cream Blue Pro offers a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the CJ being more on the mild and smooth side, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a bouncier and snappier feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The CJ provides a high-pitched and smooth typing experience, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a poppy and bouncy tactile feedback. Both switches are unique in their own right, and choosing between them would ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and feel. However, users can expect enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CJ linear switch or the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a higher-pitched, chirpy sound profile with a smooth push feel, the CJ switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinctive poppy and clacky sound paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience that you value most in a switch when making your decision between these two options. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches will depend on what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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