Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, to the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch, it's clear that each offers unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy feel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is praised for its gummy and creamy linear feel, offering a deep and muted sound profile that is both subdued and polished. While both switches have their own strengths, deciding between them comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
65g
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
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron North Pole V2, both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through. However, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gateron North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, offering a unique typing experience.
In terms of sound characteristics, pressing down on the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro will elicit the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, creating a distinct bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate offering a clear and resonant sound profile in both switches. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro providing a unique typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Gateron North Pole V2.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gateron North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. The split between the qualities of the two housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch. Ultimately, whether one prefers the duller and rounder sound of nylon or the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate will influence the decision between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron North Pole V2.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch with an actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Lavender Purple Pro is also lighter at 55 grams, while the North Pole V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Lavender Purple Pro switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the weight preference of the user, with the Lavender Purple Pro being lighter and the North Pole V2 being heavier.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Lavender Purple Pro being on the shorter end and the North Pole V2 being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lavender Purple Pro for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the North Pole V2. 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 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 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 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile that adds a unique element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch provides a more subdued sound, creating a quieter and more muted typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the desired auditory feedback during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by an accented tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback without being overly pronounced. Additionally, it offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience, providing a spring-like sensation with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Both switches also feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Gateron North Pole V2 switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the North Pole V2 switch offers a quieter, more subdued sound and a smooth, gummy typing experience. Depending on whether one prefers a more pronounced tactile bump or a smoother, creamier feel, both switches provide excellent options for a customized typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel, the North Pole V2 might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel in order to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
