Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The North Pole V2 stands out for its gummy feel and subdued sound profile, making it a satisfying choice for those seeking a chewy typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed with gamers in mind, providing easy-to-press keys with a pleasing bassy sound for optimum gaming performance. While the North Pole V2 offers a bouncy and creamy typing feel, the V3 Silver Pro ensures effortless keystrokes with a light actuation force. 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
65g
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
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. This material is known for its stiffness, contributing to a clear and resonant sound profile. In this aspect, both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound quality and visual customization.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, maintaining consistency with the top housing. This choice enhances the overall sound profile of the switch, providing a cohesive typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a different tactile experience when typing, adding variety to the overall feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, they diverge in their bottom housing materials, resulting in distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, these housing materials contribute to the overall performance and feel of the switches.
Weight
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch. The North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of weight. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Akko V3 Silver Pro, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Gateron North Pole V2 for a stronger push force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron 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. The North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer keys with a bit more depth when pressed. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick input feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a subdued and dampened sound profile, offering a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch delivers a high-pitched and crisp sound with each keystroke, catering to gamers who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. Both switches excel in providing distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing or gaming experience, depending on individual preferences.
Moving on to the feel, the North Pole V2 linear switch is described as gummy, offering a unique typing experience akin to bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch provides an easy-to-press sensation with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer creamy and polished typing experiences, ensuring smooth and effortless key presses. While the North Pole V2 emphasizes a bouncy and gummy feel, the V3 Silver Pro focuses on an easy-to-press and feathery sensation, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch each bring their unique sound and feel qualities to the table. While the North Pole V2 offers a gummy and subdued sound with a bouncy typing feel, the V3 Silver Pro delivers a high-pitched sound and an easy-to-press sensation, ideal for gamers seeking quick response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles, keypress feel, and the intended use case, whether it be typing, gaming, or a combination of both. Both switches offer quality components that will provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users can achieve similar results in keypress satisfaction with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and gaming needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gummy, creamy, bouncy, or polished feel with a subdued sound profile, the North Pole V2 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, or polished feel with a high-pitched sound profile, the V3 Silver Pro could be the ideal option, especially for gaming scenarios where speed and agility are crucial. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and intended usage of the keyboard.
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