Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron North Pole V2 mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out for its smooth and substantial feel, providing a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out and clear tactile feedback that appeals to typists and gamers looking for a solid keystroke experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is renowned for its gummy and muted sound profile, offering a chewy typing feel that is both satisfying and subdued. While the Matcha Green Pro switch is characterized by its clacky and resonant qualities, the North Pole V2 is known for its creamy and polished attributes. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron North Pole V2, we see that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. However, the V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softness that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gateron North Pole V2's crisper sound from its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Despite both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ significantly in their choice of bottom housing materials. While the Matcha Green Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the North Pole V2 sticks with polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper, higher-pitched sound experience. The split in housing materials for the V3 Matcha Green Pro allows for a more nuanced sound experience, where the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This contrasts with the North Pole V2, where the entire housing is polycarbonate, leading to a more consistent sound profile across keystrokes.
In terms of build and sound quality, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro edges out the Gateron North Pole V2 with its combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The mix of materials provides a versatile sound profile that is both sharp and clear from the polycarbonate top, while also depth and roundness from the nylon bottom. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2's uniform polycarbonate housing delivers a consistent, crisp sound experience throughout keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and whether the added depth from the nylon bottom housing in the V3 Matcha Green Pro is worth considering.
Weight
When it comes to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in the typing experience. The V3 Matcha Green Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Matcha Green Pro requires 63 grams, while the North Pole V2 requires 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro offering a slightly lighter typing experience and the North Pole V2 providing a bit more resistance for those who prefer a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for a switch with a longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key feel, with the V3 Matcha Green Pro providing a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the North Pole V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant experience, producing sharp and snappy sounds that are bright and crisp, with an immersive auditory quality. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a more subdued sound profile, with a dampened and subtle sound signature that is not completely silent but offers a more muted typing experience. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a more vibrant and sharp sound (V3 Matcha Green Pro) or a softer and more understated sound (North Pole V2).
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the V3 Matcha Green Pro and the North Pole V2 offer creamy typing experiences. The V3 Matcha Green Pro is noted for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing a smooth and spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. The North Pole V2 is described as gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished, offering a unique typing sensation that feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, combined with a smooth and buttery feel. For those who enjoy a more resilient and elastic typing experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro might be preferred, while the North Pole V2 can appeal to those looking for a tactile and chewy typing feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch is characterized by its clacky and resonant sound profile, along with a bouncy and creamy typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a subdued sound with a gummy and creamy typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer smooth and pleasurable typing experiences, with the main difference lying in the sound profile and the specific tactile feedback they provide.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you prioritize a smooth and substantial feel with sharp bottom-out feedback and resonant clacks, the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be an ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gummy and muted typing feel with a deep sound profile, the North Pole V2 may be more to your liking. Additionally, if you prefer switches with a bottom out force of 63 grams (medium) over 65 grams (medium-heavy), the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound output.
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