Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron New North Pole V2 emerge as two compelling linear options, each offering distinct attributes tailored to different typing preferences. The Glory Yellow switch is celebrated for its heavier feel within the Glory lineup, providing a satisfying and smooth keystroke with a comfortable travel distance that many typists find enjoyable. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 distinguishes itself by eliminating the rubber dampener that its predecessor featured, resulting in a crisper typing experience without compromising the beloved frictionless glide that characterizes the North Pole lineup. While the Glory Yellow excels in delivering weight and smoothness, the New North Pole V2 enchants users seeking a polished and creamy feel with enhanced responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches feature different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences both their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Glory Yellow utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic renders the typing experience on the Glory Yellow more muted and rounded, which may appeal to users preferring a warmer auditory feedback. Contrarily, the New North Pole V2 is crafted with a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffer and more transparent profile, offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its resonant qualities. This distinction in housing materials suggests that the auditory experience and tactile feedback will be markedly different between the two switches.
When considering the acoustic properties, the structural differences in housing materials become crucial. The Gateron Glory Yellow's nylon components create a cohesive sound environment that is softer on both the bottom-out and release sounds. Typing on these switches will result in a more subdued auditory response, ideal for users who favor quieter typing sessions or have a preference for a more subtle feedback. Conversely, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing contributes to a pronounced sound signature; both the bottom-out and release sounds are noticeably sharper and more defined. Users looking for a clickier or more engaging typing experience may gravitate towards these switches. The differences in materials will lead both switches to deliver unique auditory feedback, impacting personal preferences in switching feel.
Additionally, the aesthetic implications of the housing materials further distinguish the two models. The translucent polycarbonate of the New North Pole V2 allows for better distribution of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing to users who prioritize illumination in their keyboard setup. In contrast, the nylon used in the Glory Yellow lacks this same translucency but compensates with its sound-dampening properties. When it comes to performance, while both switches have different properties due to their materials, a player can experience a somewhat homogeneous typing experience by adjusting the modding of the switches or using external sound-dampening materials. However, it is essential to recognize that the inherent qualities driven by their initial design significantly affect how they sound and feel in everyday use. Thus, choosing between them ultimately comes down to user preference regarding auditory feedback and desired visual effects.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning users will experience a similar level of responsiveness when engaging each key. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces: the New North Pole V2 requires a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Glory Yellow's bottom out force is unknown, though it is likely lower than the New North Pole V2's. This results in the New North Pole V2 being the heavier option overall, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Glory Yellow, with its consistent actuation force and potentially lower bottoming out force, may cater to users who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, while both switches offer the same initial actuation experience, the differences in bottom out force present distinct preferences for different typing styles.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This equal travel distance means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience a consistent resistance and feel, contributing to a comparable typing experience. Since both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and overall responsiveness when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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.
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 Gateron Glory Yellow switch is known to produce a soft, muted thock upon actuation, making it relatively quiet compared to some other switches, which can be an appealing feature for those seeking a discreet typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches, while lacking a rubber dampener, deliver a sharper, more pronounced sound that many users appreciate for its crispness. The sound profile of each switch can be influenced by external factors like the keyboard frame and keycap material, but the inherent characteristics of the Glory Yellow lean towards a less obtrusive sound, whereas the New North Pole V2s offer a tad more auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Glory Yellow switches are praised for their smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance, creating an enjoyable typing experience for users who prefer linear switches. The Gateron New North Pole V2 switches elevate this experience to a new level with their described polished and creamy texture. This combination ensures that users encounter a fluid and frictionless typing session, allowing for effortless key presses. The polished nature enhances the refined feel, while the creamy sensation contributes to a typing experience that is both luxurious and smooth, setting it apart from the more straightforward feel of the Glory Yellow.
In summary, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches offer distinct advantages suited to different user preferences. While the Glory Yellow is ideal for those who appreciate a quieter, more muted sound combined with a satisfyingly smooth keystroke, the New North Pole V2 caters to users looking for a crisper auditory experience paired with an exceptionally polished and frictionless feel. Depending on your priorities—whether it's sound or tactile feedback—either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience, but the New North Pole V2 might be the go-to for those seeking ultra-smooth performance and a more pronounced sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences, typing style, and the specific feel you wish to achieve in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you value a smooth keystroke with a pleasant travel distance and prefer a lighter switch feel, the Glory Yellow would likely suit you better. It's designed to provide an enjoyable typing experience, making it a great option for those who prioritize comfort and ease during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more tactile and controlled typing experience with a slightly higher actuation force, the New North Pole V2 might be your best bet. Its polished, creamy, and frictionless characteristics offer a crisp feel that can enhance your typing precision, making it ideal for tasks that require rapid input or gaming. Ultimately, both switches provide unique benefits; choosing the right one depends on whether you are looking for smoothness and comfort or control and responsiveness in your keyboard.
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