Gateron CJ vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are two popular options to consider: the Gateron CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. Both of these switches are linear. The CJ is known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched clack and provides a smooth push feel. The CJ offers a distinct typing experience, with characteristics such as chirpy, neutral, mild, low-pitched, and thocky. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White is part of Gateron's G Pro series and is designed for delicate typists. These switches have an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, ensuring effortless and sensitive keystrokes. They also feature a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting, and the medium-high pitch provides satisfying auditory feedback. The G Pro White is categorized as clacky, creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, neutral, silky, subdued, and subtle. It offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on typing experience. Nevertheless, let's delve deeper into these switches so that you can choose the one that suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. However, both housing materials offer a satisfying sound experience, albeit with slight variations in pitch and clarity.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials also contribute to the overall sound profile. The CJ's POM bottom housing elicits a deeper and relatively more muted sound, giving it a unique and pleasing quality. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
It's important to note that when the top and bottom housings are different in a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, depending on the user's preference for sound and experience, the Gateron CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White offer distinct qualities in their housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it is clear that both switches have different weight preferences. The CJ switch has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be the ideal choice. With its lower actuation force, it allows for quicker and easier keystrokes. This lighter weight could be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods of time or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces the amount of fatigue experienced by the fingers.
On the contrary, the CJ switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This switch can provide users with a stronger push feel, giving them a sense of satisfaction and feedback when typing. The CJ switch might be favored by individuals who prefer a more sturdy and pronounced keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CJ linear switch has a medium actuation force and bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience would lean towards the G Pro 3.0 White switch, while those desiring a heavier and more substantial typing feel might opt for the CJ switch. In both cases, users can expect satisfying results as per their preferred weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being traveled. Therefore, the travel distance for both the Gateron CJ and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches is equal, resulting in similar results when used.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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 switch is best described as chirpy, with a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. It produces higher-pitched clacks and offers a smooth push feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound. It has a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. However, based on the available information, the CJ switch offers a higher-pitched and smooth sound experience, while the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a crisp and percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CJ switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. It provides an enjoyable and approachable feel for most typists. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy and smooth typing experience. This could be due to lubricant applied in the switch or specific materials used. It allows for gliding fingers across the keys with ease, resulting in a silky sensation. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. This reduces finger fatigue and enhances the overall typing experience. Based on the available information, the CJ switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy and low-impact feel, reducing strain on the fingers.
Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch present different subjective qualities. The CJ switch offers a chirpy sound with higher-pitched clacks and a smooth push feel. It provides a mild and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch produces a clacky sound with a medium-high pitch and a creamy and smooth typing feel. It offers an easy-to-press and low-impact typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, catering to different preferences and typing styles. If you are looking for a higher-pitched and smooth sound with a mild typing feel, the CJ switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a clacky sound with a creamy and low-impact typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be a recommended option. In either case, both switches provide enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable typing experience, with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Gateron CJ linear switch would be a great choice. With its higher-pitched clacks and smooth push feel, it provides a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be more suitable. It offers an incredibly light actuation force, ensuring effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With its frosted light diffuser, it also allows for brighter RGB lighting.
In terms of sound, the CJ switch has a chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, or thocky sound profile, depending on your preference. The G Pro 3.0 White switch, on the other hand, has a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the CJ switch provides a mild typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, or subtle typing feel. Both switches excel in their own ways and cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch depends on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. Consider your desired actuation force, sound preference, and typing feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Happy typing!
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