Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two remarkable mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron North Pole V2. These switches offer distinct typing experiences, with the Crystal Violet being a tactile switch and the North Pole V2 a linear switch. If you desire a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, the Crystal Violet is the way to go. With an operating force of 45g, these switches provide a gentle and comfortable feel. They boast a mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, thanks to the unique use of ABS in their housings. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 offers a gummy and satisfyingly chewy typing feel. Typing on these switches produces a deep and muted sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, giving you options based on your preference. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision regarding the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ in terms of their housing materials. The Crystal Violet uses ABS for its top and bottom housing, while the North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both. ABS is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings, resulting in a low-pitched sound profile when typing. On the other hand, polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is commonly used in switches with clear housing, making it ideal for those planning to use RGB lighting.
Both the Crystal Violet and the North Pole V2 provide distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials. While the Crystal Violet's ABS housing offers a low-pitched sound, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The choice of housing material also impacts the overall feel of the switches. The stiffer polycarbonate housing in the North Pole V2 creates a more resonant and defined tactile feedback, whereas the ABS housing in the Crystal Violet may offer a softer and less pronounced tactile feel.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the sound and feel of the switches, the top and bottom housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the material used in the bottom housing will determine how the switch sounds and feels when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing material in each component of the switch will contribute to its overall sound and feel, and different combinations can create unique typing experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Crystal Violet has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams, making the former slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Crystal Violet requires a force of 55 grams, while the North Pole V2 requires a heavier force of 65 grams. This indicates that the North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Considering weight as a factor, the Crystal Violet can be seen as a lighter option, appealing to users who prefer extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience, making it suitable for work or gaming purposes. On the other hand, the North Pole V2, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, caters to individuals seeking a more substantial and responsive typing experience. With its medium-heavy forces, the North Pole V2 can offer a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback for those who enjoy a more assertive keystroke.
In conclusion, the Crystal Violet is the lighter option, with a medium-light actuation force and bottom out force. The North Pole V2, on the other hand, provides a medium-heavy actuation force and bottom out force, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing/gaming needs, individuals can choose the Everglide Crystal Violet for a softer and smoother keystroke or the Gateron North Pole V2 for a more robust and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same 4 mm distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results. There is no difference in the length of travel between the two switches as they both have the same distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched profile. This means that the switches produce a more bass-heavy and soothing tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a subdued sound profile. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle and dampened auditory experience compared to most switches. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, if you are looking for a low-pitched and subtle sound, the Crystal Violet would be a suitable choice, while the North Pole V2 offers a quieter and more understated option.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch is known for its creamy and mild characteristics. The creamy switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the Crystal Violet has a mild tactile feel, providing a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. It also features a stepped tactile feel, meaning it has a two-stage sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is described as gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished. The gummy texture of the switch gives a unique typing experience similar to typing on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The creamy and polished qualities contribute to a smooth and refined feel, while the bouncy aspect provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation.
Considering all the available information, the Crystal Violet tactile switch and the North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Crystal Violet provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow and low-pitched sound profile. Its creamy and mild feel makes typing smooth and comfortable. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 offers a gummy and polished typing experience with a subdued sound profile. The creamy and bouncy qualities contribute to a smooth and lively feel. Depending on your preference for a light tactile switch or a linear switch, both options provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences. However, keep in mind that individual preferences can vary, so it is recommended to try out these switches firsthand or gather more user feedback before making a final decision.
Conclusion
In closing, to choose between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Crystal Violet with its medium-light force of 55 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the North Pole V2 with its medium-heavy force of 65 grams could be a better choice.
For sound, the Crystal Violet offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and non-intrusive auditory experience. Conversely, the North Pole V2 has a subdued sound, producing a dampened and more subtle sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet offers a creamy, mild, and stepped typing experience. The switches feel smooth and buttery, with a gentle tactile sensation. The North Pole V2, on the other hand, provides a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing feel. These switches have a unique and chewy sensation, with a spring-like feedback and a refined finish.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Whether you prioritize a lighter or heavier force, a mellow or subdued sound, or a creamy or gummy typing experience, both the Crystal Violet and North Pole V2 switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. As a final point, make sure to consider all aspects before choosing the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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