Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 stand out as two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its budget-friendly quality, offering a delightful poppy and clacky sound profile alongside a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, maintaining its hallmark frictionless glide and smoothness. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences - the Cream Blue Pro for a bouncy and snappy feel, and the New North Pole V2 for a polished and creamy typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a different sound experience compared to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound, contributing to a unique typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with this material, emphasizing clarity and resonance in typing.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch affects the typing experience in subtle ways. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the top housing material will impact the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of housing materials in creating a nuanced typing experience, with each material contributing specific characteristics to the overall sound profile of the switch.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which requires 50 grams of force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Blue Pro requires 55 grams, while the New North Pole V2 needs 62.5 grams. This means that the Cream Blue Pro is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the New North Pole V2. This difference in weight may appeal to different preferences - those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Cream Blue Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the New North Pole V2. Both switches fall into the medium-light to medium weight category, providing a balance between ease of use and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the New North Pole V2 linear switch the longer option between the two. The shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 might provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer more depth in their typing experience. Both switches offer different travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preference for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as having a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is known for providing a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while still maintaining a seamless glide and smoothness that users appreciate.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its accented, bouncy, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, the switches are described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 is also described as polished, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Moreover, these switches are known for their creamy and frictionless typing sensation, providing a silky and effortless keystroke experience.
Overall, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the New North Pole V2 switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a poppy and tactile feedback with a smooth finish, the New North Pole V2 focuses on a crisper typing experience with a creamy and frictionless feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either of these switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, your choice should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel, the New North Pole V2 is the better option. Consider the sound profile, feel descriptors, and bottom out force of each switch to determine which aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing experience.
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