Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both of which are linear switches. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its unique combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel. Its attributes include being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing experience without the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, while still maintaining a frictionless typing feel. Known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless characteristics, the North Pole V2 provides users with a seamless glide that they appreciate. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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 Yellow Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing aesthetic. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro diverges in using nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2.
While the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches yields similar sound profiles, the differentiation lies in the bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the clear and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2. This variation in bottom housing material showcases how different materials can impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the key's bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the typing experience. While both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the differentiation in bottom housing materials highlights the impact that material choice can have on the overall typing experience. Whether selecting switches with nylon or polycarbonate bottom housings, understanding how each material influences sound and feel can help individuals make informed decisions based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally responsive. However, the Cream Yellow Pro has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the New North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the New North Pole V2. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cream Yellow Pro would be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the New North Pole V2. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can benefit gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow Pro provides a satisfying poppy and clacky sound, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 from Gateron offers a crisp typing experience without a rubber dampener, maintaining a smooth and seamless glide. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preferences and setup.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as having an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing feel, offering a combination of gentle resistance and a lively feedback sensation. Conversely, the New North Pole V2 is noted for its polished, creamy, and frictionless touch, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal friction and effortless key travel. Both switches offer different tactile characteristics that cater to varying typing preferences, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing style.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy sound and a creamy tactile feel, the New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing experience with a frictionless touch. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you can achieve similar results in terms of performance and comfort regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you are a budget-conscious enthusiast looking for a satisfying auditory experience with a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel and a seamless glide, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
