Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Everglide Bamboo Green is a tactile switch known for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that offers a unique typing experience without a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper feel. While both switches have their distinctive features, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
One of the main differences between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron New North Pole V2 lies in their housing materials. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, while the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green offers a neutral sound profile with neither a crisp nor a dull tone. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bamboo Green and the New North Pole V2 have different materials as well. The Bamboo Green employs a PBT bottom housing, while the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green contributes to a neutral sound profile without being overly crisp or dull. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it advantageous in terms of aesthetics, especially when combined with RGB lighting.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the respective parts of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, while the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron New North Pole V2 may have similar qualities in their housing materials, the distribution of these qualities throughout the switch can result in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are a few similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the Bamboo Green is lighter at 43 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams. This means that the Bamboo Green requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Bamboo Green requiring 62 grams and the New North Pole V2 requiring 62.5 grams. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions may be more inclined to choose the Bamboo Green, while those who prioritize a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the New North Pole V2. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of bottom out force, although the Bamboo Green has a slightly lighter actuation force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches travel a total distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed. Both switches provide a similar tactile experience for users, allowing them to feel the movement and feedback from the switch as they press down on a key. Therefore, whether typing on the Everglide Bamboo Green or the Gateron New North Pole V2, users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and tactile feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The Gateron New 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 New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is best known for its clacky sound signature along with a crisp and sparkling tactility. It produces a high-pitched and resonant sound when pressed, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch removes the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience. While the sound qualities of the New North Pole V2 are not specifically mentioned, Gateron is known for maintaining seamless glide and smoothness, which suggests that it would have a pleasant sound profile as well.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switch is described as having a stepped and accented tactile feel. This means that the keystrokes have two stages, with mild pre-travel and/or post-travel. It provides a medium amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. The switch also has a sharp tactile bump, offering strong and crisp feedback with each keypress. Additionally, being a polished switch, the Bamboo Green ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is also described as a polished switch, providing a sleek typing experience due to its smooth and refined finish. It offers reduced friction and effortless key travel, resulting in a fluid typing experience. The switch is also described as creamy, suggesting a smooth and buttery typing sensation. It provides a silky feeling of effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys with each keystroke. The use of lubricants in the factory or specific materials contribute to this creamy sensation. Moreover, the New North Pole V2 is known for its frictionless typing feel, ensuring minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch both offer excellent subjective qualities. While the sound characteristics of the New North Pole V2 are not explicitly mentioned, both switches are known for their polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Bamboo Green provides a clacky sound with a sharp tactile bump, while the New North Pole V2 offers a creamy and frictionless typing feel. Both switches would be desirable choices for those looking for a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different sound profiles and tactility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Everglide Bamboo Green would be a great choice. It offers a clacky sound signature and a crisp and sparkling tactility when typing. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Bamboo Green is the way to go.
On the other hand, if you are interested in a linear switch with a similar medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is a recommended option. It provides a crisper typing experience due to the absence of a rubber dampener while retaining the hallmark frictionless typing feel of the North Pole lineup. The New North Pole V2 also offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch depends on your preference for sound and feel. If you value a clacky sound signature with sharp and crisp tactility, the Bamboo Green is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a crisper typing experience and a smooth and buttery typing sensation, the New North Pole V2 is the recommended option. Consider your priorities and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.