Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
vsGateron North Pole
Hear them
Side by side
| Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro | Gateron North Pole | |
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Sound | Balanced | Balanced |
| Loudness | -43.9 dB | -53.7 dB |
| Pitch | 2,847 Hz | 2,157 Hz |
| Spring weight | 55 g | 54.7 g |
| Actuation force | 33.6 g | 36.4 g |
| Bottom-out force | 68 g | 64.5 g |
| Total travel | 3.9 mm | 3.8 mm |
Force curves compared
Both curves modeled from each switch's measured actuation, bottom-out values.
Which should you pick?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Gateron North Pole are both linear switches, but they feel and sound different enough to be worth comparing directly.
Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro runs the heavier spring at 55g versus 54.7g — about 0.29999999999999716g more — so it feels more deliberate under the finger, while Gateron North Pole is quicker and lighter to press.
On sound, Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the louder of the two at -43.9dB versus -53.7dB (9.800000000000004dB quieter), pitched higher at roughly 2,847Hz. It reads as balanced, while Gateron North Pole comes across more balanced.
Pick Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro if you want a heavier, more controlled press and a louder, more present sound. Pick Gateron North Pole if you'd rather have a lighter, faster press and a quieter typing sound. Use the players above to hear which one you actually prefer.
Full pages
Hear the difference for real
Load either switch into the live simulator and A/B them with your plate, case and keycaps.
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