Akko V3 Crystal Pro
vsGateron North Pole
Hear them
Side by side
| Akko V3 Crystal Pro | Gateron North Pole | |
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Sound | Balanced | Balanced |
| Loudness | -41.3 dB | -53.7 dB |
| Pitch | 2,848 Hz | 2,157 Hz |
| Spring weight | 54.6 g | 54.7 g |
| Actuation force | 30.4 g | 36.4 g |
| Bottom-out force | 65.2 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 Crystal Pro and Gateron North Pole are both linear switches, but they feel and sound different enough to be worth comparing directly.
Gateron North Pole runs the heavier spring at 54.7g versus 54.6g — about 0.10000000000000142g more — so it feels more deliberate under the finger, while Akko V3 Crystal Pro is quicker and lighter to press.
On sound, Akko V3 Crystal Pro is the louder of the two at -41.3dB versus -53.7dB (12.400000000000006dB quieter), pitched higher at roughly 2,848Hz. It reads as balanced, while Gateron North Pole comes across more balanced.
Pick Akko V3 Crystal Pro if you want a lighter, faster press and a louder, more present sound. Pick Gateron North Pole if you'd rather have a heavier, more controlled 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.
Open the simulator →