Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron North Pole V2. The Kailh Box Jade is a clicky switch known for its medium-heavy typing experience and satisfying clicky sound profile. With their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, these switches are perfect for those who want a tactile and audibly stimulating typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 is a linear switch that offers a completely different feel. Described as gummy and creamy, this switch provides a deep and muted sound profile, along with a satisfyingly chewy typing feel. Overall, the Box Jade excels in providing an invigorating and accentuated typing experience, while the North Pole V2 offers a more subdued and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches share similar housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This choice of material in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Box Jade or the North Pole V2 switch.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Box Jade utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This choice maintains the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate. The bottom housing's impact is mainly felt during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Therefore, while the top housing of both switches provides a consistent sound and aesthetic experience, the choice of bottom housing material differentiates the overall typing experience. The Box Jade, with its nylon bottom housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the North Pole V2, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, maintains a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the preference between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, both switches have a 50 gram actuation force, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This similarity suggests that users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch. However, when considering bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The Box Jade has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be characterized as medium in weight. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in weight. This means that the North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, for those who prioritize a lighter typing experience for prolonged use, the Box Jade may be the preferable choice. However, for those seeking a more substantial and heavier typing feel, the North Pole V2 would be a suitable option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that they have different travel distances. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of the traditional range, the North Pole V2 falls within the more common 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Box Jade is slightly shorter. Gamers, who prioritize quick response times, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances. In this case, the Box Jade would be the preferred option. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press, the North Pole V2 with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 North Pole V2 for $5.70.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch is best described as having a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. This sound profile is perfect for those who prefer a more rich and sharp sound when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch offers a subdued sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The North Pole V2 switch provides a deep and muted sound, creating a more peaceful typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience. These switches provide a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They have a pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, allowing for an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch offers a gummy typing feel. When bottoming out, it feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the North Pole V2 switch offers a creamy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. They have a smooth and buttery feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The keys have a lively and spring-like feedback, giving a rebound when pressed. Typing on the North Pole V2 switch feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade switch provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound, along with an accented and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch offers a subdued sound profile with a deep and muted typing sound, and a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing feel. Both switches provide satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences, each with their own distinctive characteristics. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose either switch to achieve similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and distinct tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are perfect for you. Their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps provide an invigorating typing sensation. These high-pitched and crunchy switches offer a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, perfect if you prefer a more pronounced and lively typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound profile and a chewy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches are the way to go. These gummy switches offer a deep and muted sound when typing, providing a more relaxed and subtle sound signature. The North Pole V2 switches are also described as creamy, giving you a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron North Pole V2 switches depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, along with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, go for the Box Jade switches. But if you prefer a subdued sound profile and a chewy typing feel with a creamy and polished typing experience, then the North Pole V2 switches are the way to go.
In the end, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you prefer the invigorating feel and pronounced feedback of the Box Jade switches or the gummy and creamy typing experience of the North Pole V2 switches, both options provide satisfying options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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