Gateron CJ vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Gateron CJ and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3). Both switches are linear in design, offering a smooth keystroke experience. The CJ is praised for its unique presentation with higher-pitched clacks and an incredibly smooth push feel, while the Milky Red Pro is known for its affordability and smoothness, evoking a buttery feel with a pleasing low-pitched sound. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them both great options depending on your preferences. 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
52g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound, giving it a clacky feel. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) uses a nylon top housing which produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's ability to absorb more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences with the CJ providing a sharper sound, and the Milky Red Pro offering a smoother and rounder tone.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the CJ's POM material creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Milky Red Pro. POM housings are known for delivering a unique sound experience that leans towards the deeper end, giving the CJ a distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in the Milky Red Pro contributes to a fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both bottom housing materials offer a different tactile and auditory experience, catering to users who prefer either a deeper and muted tone or a fuller and rounder sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron CJ and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) differ in material, they each play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This dual-layered approach ensures that both switches offer a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience, tailored to the preferences of users who appreciate distinct sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Milky Red Pro is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the CJ is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium actuation force category, providing a balance between responsiveness and resistance. The Milky Red Pro offers a slightly lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the CJ switch provides a firmer push feel for those who desire a more substantial typing experience. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces with these switches, but the slight differences in weight may cater to individual preferences for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they both offer a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar results when using either switch, as the distance traveled is identical for both. This means that whether you choose the CJ or the Milky Red Pro (KS-3), you can enjoy a smooth and consistent typing experience with the same 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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CJ linear switch produces a chirpy and high-pitched clack, giving it a unique and recognizable acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch offers a low-pitched "thock" sound that is deeper and more bass-heavy. Both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, but the CJ is more distinct with its chirpy sound while the Milky Red Pro offers a deeper and richer tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is known for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. While both switches offer smoothness in their keystrokes, the CJ leans towards a milder typing experience while the Milky Red Pro emphasizes a buttery and uniform feel.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The CJ excels in providing a unique and chirpy sound with a mild typing experience, whereas the Milky Red Pro stands out with its low-pitched thock sound and buttery smooth keystrokes. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve satisfying results with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a unique, higher-pitched sound with an impossibly smooth push feel, the CJ switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and desire a smooth and affordable typing experience with a low-pitched “thock” sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure the best typing experience for your needs.
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