Outemu Crystal vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that offer unique typing experiences are the Outemu Crystal and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Crystal switch provides a fairly elastic feel and a medium-light weight, creating a one-of-a-kind linear typing experience. Additionally, these switches produce a neutral sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2s have done away with the rubber dampener found in their predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience. However, Gateron has managed to maintain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel. With a seamless glide and smoothness, the New North Pole V2s offer a polished and creamy typing experience. While these general pointers can help in making a decision, let's dig deeper into the characteristics of each switch to determine which one is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Gateron New North Pole V2, namely polycarbonate, contribute to a similar sound profile in both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound when typing. This characteristic makes it an ideal material for both the top and bottom housing of mechanical switches. Furthermore, the use of polycarbonate in transparent housings allows for aesthetically pleasing designs, particularly when combined with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal with both the Crystal and the New North Pole V2 switches.
However, it is worth noting that while the top housing determines the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a switch. With different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities associated with each material will be present in their respective areas. This means that the Crystal's polycarbonate top housing will provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when a key is released, while the Gateron New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to the impact and feel during key presses.
In summary, the Outemu Crystal and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches share similarities in housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a clear and resonant sound profile that is considered sharper and higher-pitched. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for pleasing aesthetics, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. However, differences arise in terms of the specific impact on sound and feel, with the top housing influencing sound during key release and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly lighter than the New North Pole V2's 50 grams. This means that the Crystal requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is also lighter than the New North Pole V2's 62.5 grams. This indicates that the Crystal switch offers a less substantial typing feel when fully pressed compared to the New North Pole V2.
For individuals who prioritize a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be a preferable choice. Its lower actuation force allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a more solid and weighty keystroke, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be the better option. The slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying. Overall, these differences in actuation force and bottom out force between the two switches offer users the flexibility to choose their desired typing experience based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard switch. In the case of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback and response during typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a specific travel distance, you can expect to get similar results from both the Outemu Crystal and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is best described as having a chirpy and high-pitched sound. This unique acoustic signature sets the Crystals apart from other switches and gives them a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch sound is not specified in the information provided. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, the Crystal switch would be a good choice, but for the New North Pole V2, we don't have specific information about its sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Crystal and the New North Pole V2 switches are described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This indicates that both switches have a smooth and refined feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 switches are also described as creamy and frictionless. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, while frictionless switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. These qualities make both the Crystal and the New North Pole V2 switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches have different characteristics in terms of sound, with the Crystal having a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, while the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 is unknown. However, both switches have a polished feel, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The New North Pole V2 switches also offer creamy and frictionless qualities, providing an even smoother typing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a unique sound profile and medium-light weight, the Crystal switches would be a good choice, while the New North Pole V2 switches offer a crisper and frictionless typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a unique linear typing experience and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal would be the ideal choice for you. These switches have a fairly elastic feel and provide a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a crisper typing experience and a frictionless feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be more suitable. Despite the removal of the rubber dampener, these switches maintain the seamless glide and smoothness that users love. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on your preference for bottom out force and the desired typing experience.
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