Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Akko Penguin offer distinct characteristics for different preferences. The North Pole V2 is a linear switch known for its gummy and creamy typing experience, with a subdued yet bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that provides a polished and muted typing experience, featuring a satisfying rounded tactile bump and medium weight for prolonged typing sessions in quiet environments. While the North Pole V2 excels in its chewy typing feel, the Akko Penguin stands out for its silent tactile feedback, making it a great choice for office settings. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Akko Penguin, it is evident that the North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, while the Akko Penguin employs nylon for both components. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon, which is softer and results in a deeper and fuller sound. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas nylon provides a classic feel with a more absorbent property for sound.
While both the North Pole V2 and Akko Penguin share similar housing materials for their top and bottom components, the difference in stiffness between polycarbonate and nylon leads to distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to a clear and resonant sound upon bottoming out, while the nylon bottom housing of the Penguin creates a rounder and duller sound. Similarly, the polycarbonate top housing of the North Pole V2 enhances the sound when releasing a key, whereas the nylon top housing of the Penguin offers a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Akko Penguin ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and tactile feel. While the polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 provides a sharper and crisper sound with clear resonance, the nylon housing of the Akko Penguin offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether it's the translucency of polycarbonate for RGB lighting or the absorbent property of nylon for a classic typing experience, both switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the actuation force of the North Pole V2 is heavier at 50 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the North Pole V2 requires 65 grams, while the Penguin only needs 60 grams. This makes the North Pole V2 slightly heavier overall, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those looking for a smoother and faster typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium weight category, making them versatile options for users who prefer a balance between actuation force and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Penguin switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the North Pole V2. The difference of 0.7 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and response of the keyboard. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Akko Penguin switch, while those who enjoy a more robust keypress may lean towards the Gateron North Pole V2. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the North Pole V2 providing a slightly longer travel distance for a more tactile feel, and the Akko Penguin offering a quicker response with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin 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 North Pole V2 linear switch is described as having a subdued sound, producing a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as having a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making it suitable for environments where noise minimization is key. The Akko Penguin switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile with moderate actuation force requirement. Overall, both switches aim to provide a quiet typing experience, with the North Pole V2 offering a slightly more subdued sound compared to the Penguin.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is described as providing a gummy typing feel, similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The switch is also described as having a creamy, bouncy, and polished feel, offering a smooth, buttery typing experience with spring-like feedback and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as having a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle feel. The switch offers reduced friction, gentle typing experience, exceptionally light keypresses, and gentle resistance without being too featherlight. Both switches are designed to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the North Pole V2 focusing on a gummy and bouncy feel while the Penguin offers a polished and feathery typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch aim to provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience for users. While the North Pole V2 leans towards a more subdued sound profile and gummy typing feel, the Akko Penguin offers a muted sound with a polished and feathery feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing needs. Whether you choose the North Pole V2 or the Penguin, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch experience with similar results in terms of comfort and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suit your preferences and needs. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a gummy, chewy typing feel with a subdued sound profile, the North Pole V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and value a rounded tactile bump with a muted, quiet sound profile, the Akko Penguin switch would be a great option, especially for office environments where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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