Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron North Pole V2. While both switches offer their own unique characteristics, they also have distinct differences. The Bamboo Green is best known for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, giving typists a satisfying and sparkling typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is famous for its gummy feel and deep, muted sound profile, providing a chewy and enjoyable typing sensation. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you choose the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Everglide Bamboo Green Tactile

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$9.67

$7.19 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ significantly. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top and bottom housing, while the North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. PBT offers a neutral sound profile with neither a crisp nor dull sound, whereas polycarbonate creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This difference in material impacts both the sound and feel of the switches.

In terms of sound, the polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 produces a crisper and more resonant sound compared to the Bamboo Green's PBT housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a sharper and more defined audio feedback. On the other hand, the PBT housing of the Bamboo Green offers a more neutral sound profile, which may appeal to those seeking a balanced and less pronounced auditory experience.

Furthermore, the choice of housing material also affects the feel of the switches. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green provides a softer and more muted sensation when bottoming out. Therefore, users who value a more satisfying and noticeable tactile feedback may prefer the North Pole V2 with its polycarbonate bottom housing.

However, it is important to note that if both top and bottom housings are the same material for a given switch, such as in the case of the Bamboo Green, the qualities of the housing material will be evenly distributed throughout the switch. This means that both the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key will have a consistent neutral profile. In this regard, users can expect similar results from the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron North Pole V2 if the housing materials are the same.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences. The Bamboo Green has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the North Pole V2 requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall into the medium range for actuation force, but the Bamboo Green offers a lighter touch. When it comes to bottoming out, the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams of force, whereas the North Pole V2 is slightly heavier at 65 grams. Therefore, the North Pole V2 is considered medium-heavy while the Bamboo Green remains medium in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and the ability to type for extended periods, the Bamboo Green may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and forceful typing feel may lean towards the North Pole V2. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches vary, allowing users to select the option that suits their preferences.

Travel distance

The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile or linear response, respectively, making them suitable for different typing or gaming preferences. Whether you choose the Everglide Bamboo Green or the Gateron North Pole V2, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance when typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is best known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a more subdued sound profile. While not completely silent, it produces a dampened sound when pressed, creating a more subtle and muted typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound, the Bamboo Green switches would be a suitable choice, while the North Pole V2 switches provide a more subdued sound.

Moving on to feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches have two stages and provide a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Accented switches, in this context, refer to a medium tactile switch that offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switches are also described as sharp and polished, meaning they have a strong and crisp tactile bump with a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek typing experience.

In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a unique gummy and creamy typing experience. The gummy characteristic of these switches creates a feeling similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, providing a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation. The creamy aspect refers to a smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to factory lubrication or specific materials. Typing on these switches gives a silky sensation, where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, melting into each keystroke. Like the Bamboo Green, the North Pole V2 switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that offers reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green provides a clacky sound signature with a higher-pitched and resonant profile, along with a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished feel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 offers a deep and muted sound profile with a subdued characteristic, along with a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on personal preferences, as both switches offer unique typing experiences. If you prefer clacky, higher-pitched sound and sharp tactility, go for the Bamboo Green. If you prefer a deep and muted sound with a gummy and creamy typing feel, the North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a clacky sound signature, crisp tactility, and a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a stepped and accented tactile feel, providing a satisfying amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Bamboo Green switches have a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, adding to the auditory experience while typing.

On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and muted sound profile, a satisfying chewy typing feel, and a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the better choice. These switches have a gummy and creamy typing experience, reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. They also provide a polished and bouncy feel, adding a spring-like feedback sensation to each keystroke.

Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force to make the final decision between the Everglide Bamboo Green and Gateron North Pole V2 switches. Both offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the typing experience that aligns best with your needs. In the end, you'll have a keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience and brings joy to your fingertips.

Mentioned in this article

Everglide Bamboo Green Tactile

$9.67

$7.19 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more