Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 are both excellent choices when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, offering unique features for different types of users. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that offers a crisper typing feel without a rubber dampener, maintaining a creamy and frictionless typing experience. Both switches are polished in their design and offer unique benefits to users. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a nylon bottom housing, while the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
While both switches have similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience than the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. The split in housing materials allows the qualities of each material to impact the switch differently, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This difference in bottom housing material can result in a varying typing experience between the two switches.
In terms of overall sound profile and feel, the housing materials of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the New North Pole V2 play a significant role in shaping the typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, enhancing the overall sound profile. However, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro results in a deeper and fuller sound, compared to the more resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing in the New North Pole V2. These differences in housing materials contribute to the unique sound profiles and typing experiences offered by each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the New North Pole V2 at 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires 55 grams, while the New North Pole V2 demands 62.5 grams. This makes the V3 Lavender Purple Pro a medium-light switch, whereas the New North Pole V2 falls under the medium category. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming might opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while users who desire a more solid typing experience may lean towards the New North Pole V2. Both switches offer a different feel due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in keyboard usage.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Akko V3 would offer a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who value speed may prefer the Akko V3 for this reason. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Gateron New North Pole V2 to be more satisfying with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is known for its crisper typing sound due to the removal of the rubber dampener, offering a different sound profile for users to enjoy. The sound of both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are described as having an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. These qualities combine to provide a tactile typing experience that is engaging and smooth. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switches are characterized by a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation that minimizes resistance. Both switches deliver a distinct typing feel that is sure to appeal to different preferences.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different typing preferences. Whether you prefer a higher-pitched sound with a tactile bump or a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a crisper typing experience, retaining a frictionless and smooth typing feel, then the New North Pole V2 might be more suitable for your needs. Consider the descriptions of sound and feel provided for each switch to make an informed decision on which one aligns better with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on what you value most in your typing experience.
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