Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. The New North Pole V2 is known for its frictionless typing feel and polished, creamy typing experience. With the removal of the rubber dampener, users can expect a crisper typing experience while still enjoying the seamless glide that Gateron is known for. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed with gamers in mind, offering an easy-to-press feel, creamy keystrokes, and a high-pitched sound that enhances the gaming experience. With a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, these switches are perfect for scenarios where speed is of the essence. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both switches make use of polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience for users. Consequently, users can expect a similar sound and aesthetic experience when using either of these switches due to the shared use of polycarbonate in their top housing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing in providing a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound that contrasts with the sharper sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights the different sound experiences users can expect from these switches.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. While both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, their use of different materials for the bottom housing results in distinct sound profiles. The Gateron switch provides a clear and resonant sound profile throughout, while the Akko switch offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Users may prefer one sound profile over the other based on their personal preferences for typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that the New North Pole V2 requires a heavier touch compared to the Silver Pro. The New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the New North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with a medium actuation force and bottom out force, whereas the Silver Pro offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a softer typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some users opting for a lighter feel for longer typing sessions while others may prefer the heavier touch for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Akko V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2. The shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Silver Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a greater key travel depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for key travel distance.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for providing a quiet and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, giving a sharper and crisper auditory feedback with each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the New North Pole V2 being quieter and the V3 Silver Pro providing a more pronounced sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is praised for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. The switch offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in effortless key presses with reduced friction and resistance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky. These qualities make the typing experience with the V3 Silver Pro switch gentle, smooth, and low-impact, enhancing comfort and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches excel in providing a premium feel to users, with the New North Pole V2 focusing on frictionless typing and the V3 Silver Pro prioritizing light actuation force and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While both switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, the New North Pole V2 leans towards a quieter operation and a focus on frictionless typing, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro emphasizes a lighter actuation force and enhanced comfort during extended typing sessions. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value 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 are a gamer seeking a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick keystrokes, the V3 Silver Pro could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize typing experience or gaming performance. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal typing style and gaming requirements.
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