Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Akko Rosewood brings distinct experiences to the typing table. The New North Pole V2 is lauded for its frictionless typing feel, offering a polished and creamy experience that appeals to users seeking an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This switch is particularly attractive for those who prioritize a crisp typing experience without the muffling characteristics of a rubber dampener, allowing for a clean sound and seamless action. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood captures attention with its rich, deep "thock" sound profile, a result of careful design and a factory-applied lubricant that enhances acoustic performance. This auditory feedback makes the Rosewood a favorite for users who enjoy a more tactile typing session accompanied by satisfying sound. Ultimately, while both switches offer a linear response with their own unique attributes, choosing between them will depend on whether you prefer the smoothness of the New North Pole V2 or the auditory gratification of the Rosewood. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Akko Rosewood, we see a distinct divergence in material characteristics that significantly influence their acoustic properties. The New North Pole V2 incorporates polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness and translucency not only facilitate a more resonant sound but also enhance the visual appeal, especially when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon absorbs sound waves due to its softer composition, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material choice highlights how each switch can cater to distinct preferences in the typing experience.

While both switches exhibit unique characteristics, they also share a few similarities in their overall construction and the resultant sound profiles. With both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Akko Rosewood showcasing consistent material application—polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—each provides its own sound profile that, while differing, highlights the interplay of the housing materials. The New North Pole V2's unified polycarbonate housing ensures a consistent crisp sound at both the actuation and bottom-out point of the keypress, whereas the Rosewood's uniform nylon construction allows for a more profound resonance throughout both stages of the keypress, creating a cohesive auditory experience. Thus, the variation in sound quality and typing feel can be greatly influenced by the specific materials chosen for these key components.

Ultimately, if one were to consider using switches with combined material features akin to those of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Akko Rosewood, they could achieve specific desired effects through strategic pairing. For instance, utilizing a polycarbonate top housing with nylon bottom housing could create a switch that balances the crisp top-end sound with a fuller body, yielding an engaging auditory experience. Conversely, adopting nylon top and polycarbonate bottom configurations could generate a sharper return sound with a softer bottom-out impact. These combinations exemplify the possibility of tailoring sound profiles based on housing material choices, showcasing how both similarities and contrasts in switch construction can deliver versatile and personalized typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch to the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The New North Pole V2 requires a greater actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in weight means that the Rosewood switch may be more comfortable for prolonged use, ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier New North Pole V2 offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger keystroke experience. Overall, while both switches have varying actuation and bottom out forces, the Akko Rosewood is the lighter option, making it suitable for users prioritizing ease of use and comfort.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on these switches. As a result, both switches will deliver similar results in terms of key actuation and overall typing experience, providing a smooth and consistent linear response while typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches produce a crisp and clear auditory profile, attributed to the absence of the rubber dampener that was present in earlier versions. This results in a more defined keystroke sound which may not be as muted as some other linear switches. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches are well-regarded for their deep, thocky acoustic signature straight out of the box, thanks in part to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances the sound profile. While both switches provide an enjoyable auditory experience, the choice largely hinges on whether you prefer a sharper or deeper sound, and it's essential to remember that external factors like the type of keyboard and keycaps will also influence the overall sound.

Regarding the feel, the New North Pole V2 switches stand out for their polished, creamy, and frictionless characteristics. They offer a smooth and refined typing experience, allowing for effortless key travel that minimizes resistance. The quality of the design ensures that each keystroke feels fluid and seamless, making for a gratifying typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko Rosewood switches is not explicitly defined, although one might expect a decent smoothness given their nature as linear switches. Without specific descriptors for the Rosewood, it can't be directly compared in this aspect, but as both are linear switches, users can anticipate a level of smoothness inherent to their design.

In summary, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. The former caters to those who appreciate a crisp sound and an exceptionally smooth typing feel, while the latter attracts users with its satisfying thocky sound. Although the Rosewood's tactile feel remains somewhat ambiguous, users can still expect a smooth experience similar to that of the New North Pole V2s given their shared linear switch nature. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, consider what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force that provides a crisper, frictionless typing experience, the New North Pole V2 is an excellent choice. Its polished, creamy feel contributes to a smooth and refined keystroke that enhances your typing efficiency, especially during long sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and enjoy a deeper, more satisfying sound profile, the Akko Rosewood will likely suit your needs better. The Rosewood’s factory lubrication delivers a unique thocky sound and a pleasing tactile response that can elevate your typing enjoyment. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in force, sound, and feel; whether you value a smooth, effortless glide or a richly textured auditory experience will guide you to the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

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Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more