Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron North Pole V2. Both switches fall under the linear category, providing a smooth typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red, from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro line-up, offers a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch adds to the satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is described as gummy, providing a deep and muted sound profile along with a satisfying, chewy typing feel. The switches are categorized differently, with the G Pro 3.0 Red being creamy, mild, neutral, polished, and silky, while the North Pole V2 is categorized as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron North Pole V2 both feature polycarbonate top housings, offering similar benefits in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer plastic composition allows for a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially helpful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual appeal of the switch. Therefore, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Red or the North Pole V2, you can expect comparable results in terms of the sound and look of your keyboard.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Red features a nylon material, while the North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. It absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It being a stiffer plastic adds to the overall clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. Therefore, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the North Pole V2 will yield different experiences in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.

In summary, the G Pro 3.0 Red and the North Pole V2 share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, allowing for an enhanced RGB lighting experience. However, they differ in terms of bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. The choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound characteristics for both bottom-out and key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are clear differences to consider. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that it requires a slightly stronger push to activate a keypress and provides a more substantial typing experience when bottoming out. Those who prefer a heavier, more tactile feel when typing would likely gravitate towards the North Pole V2. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a lighter feel while the North Pole V2 provides a medium-heavy typing experience. However, for those looking for similar results, both switches offer comparable actuation forces, ensuring a consistent level of responsiveness regardless of the choice.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the travel distance experienced by the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is described as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to many other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a variety of descriptors that suggest a smooth and refined typing experience. It can be described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky. These qualities indicate that the switch provides a buttery and effortless typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy, offering a unique typing experience similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. It also shares the creamy and polished descriptors, suggesting a smooth and refined feel.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Gateron North Pole V2 switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a neutral sound profile and provides a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 has a subdued sound profile and offers a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing feel. Each switch can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience, depending on your personal preferences. It's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and additional features like RGB lighting effects when selecting a switch. Both switches can deliver satisfying results, but it's recommended to try them out in person or listen to sound tests to get a better understanding of their individual characteristics.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red would be a great choice for you. With its medium-light actuation force and frosted light diffuser, it provides a brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effect while producing a satisfying auditory experience. This switch is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 would be your best bet. With a medium-heavy bottom out force, it offers a more subdued sound compared to most switches. Additionally, it provides a unique typing experience with its gummy feel when bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, and whether you prioritize a budget-friendly option or a distinctive typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more