Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both of which are linear switches. The New North Pole V2 is known for its frictionless typing experience and crisper feel due to the removed rubber dampener, offering a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a bouncy and clacky feel with a touch of creaminess. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, one significant difference is that the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing while the Akko V3 Piano Pro uses a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that prioritize clarity and resonance. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in materials highlights how the choice of housing can significantly impact the overall sound and typing experience of a switch.
Another notable difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housings. The New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Just like their top counterparts, the bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch when pressed. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 complements its top housing, enhancing the clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Akko V3 Piano Pro adds to its deeper and fuller sound experience. This shows how the combination of different housing materials can impact typing feedback and overall performance.
Despite their differences, both switches share the commonality of utilizing different materials for their top and bottom housings. This split allows each housing material to influence specific aspects of the sound and feel of the switch. When typing on these switches, users will experience a blend of characteristics from both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a unique typing experience. Whether it's the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 or the deep and fuller sound of nylon in the Akko V3 Piano Pro, understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience is crucial for enthusiasts looking to customize their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro only needs 55 grams. This means that the New North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a softer feel. Both switches fall within the medium actuation force range, but the V3 Piano Pro can be considered slightly lighter overall. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.5 mm travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the New North Pole V2 offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Piano Pro. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Piano Pro for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the New North Pole V2. Overall, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for providing a clean and seamless typing experience with a focus on a frictionless typing feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is recognized for its snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke while still maintaining smooth actuation. Both switches offer unique auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the New North Pole V2 emphasizing a seamless glide and smoothness and the V3 Piano Pro focusing on a sharper and more resonant sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is praised for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These qualities result in smooth key travel and reduced friction, offering users a sleek and refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback sensation along with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches excel in delivering a premium typing feel, with the New North Pole V2 emphasizing a frictionless and refined experience and the V3 Piano Pro offering a combination of bounce and creaminess for an enjoyable tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch each offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the New North Pole V2 prioritizes a frictionless typing feel with a focus on smoothness and glide, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and bouncy typing sensation. Both switches are designed to cater to different preferences, and users can expect a premium typing experience regardless of their choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in sound and feel, but both switches are guaranteed to deliver a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a frictionless typing feel, the New North Pole V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro could be a better fit. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what will enhance your typing experience and overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard setup. Choose wisely and happy typing!
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