Akko V3 Cream Yellow
vsGateron North Pole
Hear them
Side by side
| Akko V3 Cream Yellow | Gateron North Pole | |
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Sound | Balanced | Balanced |
| Loudness | -58.7 dB | -53.7 dB |
| Pitch | 1,947 Hz | 2,157 Hz |
| Spring weight | 55 g | 54.7 g |
| Actuation force | 36.1 g | 36.4 g |
| Bottom-out force | 76.3 g | 64.5 g |
| Total travel | 4.1 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 and Gateron North Pole are both linear switches, but they feel and sound different enough to be worth comparing directly.
Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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, Gateron North Pole is the louder of the two at -53.7dB versus -58.7dB (5dB quieter), pitched higher at roughly 2,157Hz. It reads as balanced, while Akko V3 Cream Yellow comes across more balanced.
Pick Akko V3 Cream Yellow if you want a heavier, more controlled press and a quieter typing sound. Pick Gateron North Pole if you'd rather have a lighter, faster press and a louder, more present 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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