The Akko Crystal Pro V3 and Gateron North Pole Yellow 2.0 switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PC top housing, PC bottom housing, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different stem material (PC vs thermoplastic), stem shape (dust-proof vs standard), spring (17 mm extension vs steel), actuation (45 g vs 50 g), bottom-out force (60 g vs 67 g), total travel (3.80 mm vs 4 mm). That said, they are not too similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The Akko Crystal Pro V3 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PC bottom housing, and PC stem (dust-proof shape). It features a 17 mm extension spring. The 45g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 60g bottom-out occurs at 3.80mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Akko. | The Gateron North Pole Yellow 2.0 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PC bottom housing, and thermoplastic stem (standard shape). It features a steel spring. The 50g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 67g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. |
|
|
| Name | Akko Crystal Pro V3 | Gateron North Pole Yellow 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 3-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | PC | PC |
| Stem material | PC | thermoplastic |
| Stem shape | dust-proof | standard |
| Spring | 17 mm extension | steel |
| Actuation | 45 g | 50 g |
| Bottom-out | 60 g | 67 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.80 mm | 4 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | - | - |
| Manufacturer | Akko | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Gateron North Pole Yellow 2.0 is available at a single shop at the moment, while the Akko Crystal Pro V3 can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering Akko Crystal Pro V3 and Gateron North Pole Yellow 2.0 switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Akko Crystal Pro V3 force curve | Gateron North Pole Yellow 2.0 force curve |
No Akko Crystal Pro V3 force curve available. |
|
Akko Crystal Pro V3 sound test | Gateron North Pole Yellow 2.0 sound test |
No Akko Crystal Pro V3 sound test available. |
Comments on Akko Crystal Pro V3 switches | Comments on Gateron North Pole Yellow 2.0 switches |
Akko Crystal Pro has upgraded the regular Crystal with dustproof structure, with additional lube on the rails, providing better out-of-box experience; Akko’s full polycarbonate switches; 45gf classic actuation force with 18mm extension spring – Akko US. | Gateron recently released a new version of the North Pole switches. The biggest difference is the yellow rubber on the housing base. Gateron says that the rubber helps distinguish North Pole switch options since they have the Red, the Silver, etc. Gateron did not specify what type of material it is, but we guess it is some kind of silicone-based material. Gateron also mentions that the 2.0 version has exhaust holes set at the bottom which is supposed to allow for gases to escape so there is less resistance as you press down. In theory, it should result in better aerodynamics. However, it is unclear whether the exhaust holes will make a difference given that the stem and housing are not aero-tie sealed to begin with – LumeKeebs. |
