Akko Botany vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Akko Botany and Gateron New North Pole V2 mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts will find that both linear options offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Botany switches are celebrated for their distinctive lively clack, providing an engaging auditory feedback right out of the box, perfect for those who appreciate a bit of sound in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 stands out with its crisper typing experience, enhanced by the absence of rubber dampeners, allowing for an unimpeded sensation while typing. Despite this change, the New North Pole V2 switches maintain their reputation for a polished, creamy feel that emphasizes a smooth and frictionless glide, appealing to users who favor a more subdued sound profile while prioritizing speed and performance. Each switch presents compelling reasons for selection based on personal preference—whether it be the acoustic delight of the Botany or the silky efficiency of the New North Pole V2. 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
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany switches and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches, a noticeable contrast emerges in their compositions. The Botany switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer texture. This characteristic results in a deeper, rounder sound profile, providing a tactile experience that contributes to a fuller auditory feedback when typing. The nylon's sound-absorbing properties allow for a muffled auditory response, making it suitable for those seeking a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 switches use polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, a material celebrated for its rigidity. This stiffness produces a sharper, clearer sound profile that resonates more distinctly, appealing to users who prefer a brighter and more pronounced typing experience.
In addition to their auditory differences, the aesthetic qualities of these housing materials also set them apart. Nylon is typically opaque and dull in appearance, focusing more on functionality than visual impact. The Akko Botany switches, therefore, may not provide the same degree of translucency that enhances RGB lighting effects found in its counterparts. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches, crafted from polycarbonate, are usually clear or semi-transparent. This translucency not only allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through but also adds a modern visual appeal. For enthusiasts wanting a dynamic aesthetic in their setups, the clear polycarbonate housing on the New North Pole V2 stands out significantly compared to the more understated Botany's nylon.
While the differences in housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles and aesthetic characteristics, it’s important to note that using a mix of nylon and polycarbonate can yield similar results under certain circumstances. For instance, if users prefer a specific sound profile, they might achieve it with a tactile typing technique or by modifying keycap usage, regardless of the material. However, the core traits brought by the housing materials will affect how the switches respond both when pressed and released. The nylon in the Botany will consistently provide a deeper sound when bottoming out, while the polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 will enhance the sound upon release. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on the user’s preference for sound and aesthetics, with each having its unique strengths.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko Botany features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists may prefer for a robust typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Botany is 45 grams, while the New North Pole V2's bottom out force is heavier at 62.5 grams. As such, the Botany switch is generally lighter overall, offering a softer keystroke, whereas the New North Pole V2 caters to those who might enjoy a firmer feedback with increased resistance. Therefore, depending on the user's preference for lightness or heaviness in keystrokes, these switches will lead to distinctly different typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Botany features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Botany switch may provide a more responsive typing experience, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2, with its slightly longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during keystrokes, offering a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience. Overall, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Akko Botany would be the better choice, whereas if you value depth and a more defined keystroke, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be favorable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
The Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 Akko Botany linear switch offers a crisp and lively auditory feedback that some users find delightful and engaging, making typing feel more dynamic and responsive. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is designed without a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper and potentially sharper sound profile, which may appeal to those looking for a more direct and unfiltered typing experience. However, the actual sound output of both types will also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, which could lead to nuances in how the switches sound in different setups.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switches have a reputation for delivering a reliable typing sensation, although specifics about their texture and smoothness aren't detailed. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switches excel with their polished, creamy, and frictionless characteristics. This means that users can expect a smooth, effortless keypress with reduced resistance as they type. The combination of refined finishes and potentially factory lubrication leads to an exceptionally pleasant experience that is often described as gliding over the keys.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its lively sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 offers a crisper auditory experience with notable smoothness in feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, but they can provide users with satisfying typing experiences depending on their setup. The choice between them ultimately comes down to personal taste regarding sound and tactile feedback, though both offer a path to a rewarding mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for feel, force, and sound. If you prefer a lighter activation with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Botany switch is a fantastic option, especially if you enjoy a crisp, lively, and clacky typing experience. This switch can be particularly appealing for casual typing and fast-paced gaming, where quick and responsive keystrokes enhance performance. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel with a medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the New North Pole V2 is the better choice. Its frictionless design and polished, creamy typing experience cater well to those who appreciate a smooth glide without the dampened feedback, making it ideal for long typing sessions where a refined and effortless touch is paramount. In summary, consider the Botany switch for a light and vibrant feel and the New North Pole V2 for a robust, smooth, and polished experience, and you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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