Gateron CJ vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow both fall under the category of linear switches, but they offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The CJ is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, providing higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. Categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky', the CJ offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the epitome of budget-friendly excellence in the realm of linear switches. While typing on these switches, users can expect a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. Categorized as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant', the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow differ significantly in terms of sound profile. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials offer a high-pitched sound, the CJ's INK blend is characterized as not overly sharp, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate accentuates the sharpness in its sound.
Moving to the bottom housings, the CJ utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene), which produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This sound profile is deeper and relatively more muted. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the CJ's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and muted sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and slightly duller sound.
While the differences in housing materials between the Gateron CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow lead to distinctive sound profiles, some similarities can be observed. Both top housings offer a higher-pitched sound, although the CJ's INK blend is not as sharp as the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate. Additionally, the bottom housings of both switches provide a deeper sound, with the CJ's POM offering a relatively more muted tone and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon generating a fuller sound. In terms of overall typing experience and feel, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical. This ensures that users will achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness when typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The CJ switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, providing a moderate push feel for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier force may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. The weight of the switches is worth considering, as it can impact the typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter CJ switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, those seeking a stronger push feel may opt for the heavier G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. The 4mm travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when using the keyboard. Therefore, whether you choose the CJ or the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch, you can expect to get equal results in terms of travel distance.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 offers a unique and enjoyable presentation. It has a higher-pitched clack sound, giving it a chirpy and slightly squeaky acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch has a higher-pitched clacky sound profile. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing a resonant and immersive auditory experience. While both switches have a higher-pitched sound, the CJ switch has a more unique and distinctive acoustic signature.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch provides an impossibly smooth push feel. It offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This mild feel makes it approachable to most users and falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Conversely, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch has a polished and creamy feel. It has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch gives a silky sensation, as if effortlessly gliding across the keys with ease.
Considering the available information, the Gateron CJ linear switch stands out for its unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. It delivers a higher-pitched clack sound and an impossibly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch showcases budget-friendly excellence with its higher-pitched clacky sound profile and polished, creamy typing experience. While they both have a higher-pitched sound, the CJ switch offers a more distinct acoustic signature, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch provides a resonant and immersive auditory experience. Based on the available descriptions, the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, with slight differences in the specifics. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch, the Gateron CJ would be the ideal choice for you. Its medium bottom out force and higher-pitched clacks create a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is perfect for you. It offers a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel.
In terms of sound, the CJ provides a chirpy or neutral option, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. If you enjoy switches with a bass-heavy and mellow tone, the CJ's low-pitched sound will suit your preference. On the contrary, if you prefer a sharp and crisp sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's high-pitched option is more suitable.
In terms of feel, the CJ offers a mild typing experience that falls in the safe, middle-ground zone. If you prefer a switch with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polished descriptor is the way to go. Alternatively, if you seek a smooth and buttery typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's creamy descriptor provides a silky sensation that effortlessly melts into each keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CJ and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch will best enhance your typing experience.
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