PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, a linear switch, is characterized by a gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and perfect for fatigue-free typing. Its clacky sound signature provides crisp feedback with each press, and the extended 22mm spring adds a bouncy sensation to keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2, also a linear switch, offers a crisper typing experience due to the removal of the rubber dampener. Despite this change, it maintains a frictionless typing feel that Gateron is known for, providing a polished and creamy typing experience. Both switches have their unique benefits and qualities that make them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
39g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron New North Pole V2 offer different sound profiles and aesthetic qualities due to their composition. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances sound resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. However, the Jacaranda features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of sound characteristics, the housing materials play a significant role in defining the overall typing experience of the switches. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Jacaranda absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile when compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2. This difference may lead to a more pronounced tactile feedback and bottom-out sound in the Jacaranda, whereas the New North Pole V2 may offer a crisper sound and feel due to the consistency of polycarbonate throughout the switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Gateron New North Pole V2 will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings for similar sound characteristics, the variation in bottom housing materials results in distinct typing experiences. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound profile provided by nylon or a sharper and crisper sound profile from polycarbonate, understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance is crucial in selecting the ideal option for individual typing preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those looking for a gentler typing experience. In comparison, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Jacaranda would be the ideal choice, while those seeking a more robust typing experience may lean towards the New North Pole V2. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences, with the Jacaranda offering a lighter touch and the New North Pole V2 providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Jacaranda's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the New North Pole V2's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a shorter travel distance for quick responses, the Jacaranda may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a longer travel distance for a more pronounced typing feel, the New North Pole V2 could be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 the sound of the switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch's sound profile is unspecified, leaving room for personal interpretation based on other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, highlighting its smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing feel with reduced friction and effortless key travel.
Overall, both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda excels in producing a clacky sound and silky feel, while the New North Pole V2 offers a potentially smoother typing experience with its polished and creamy attributes. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the overall typing experience desired, but both options are sure to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force, a bouncy sensation, and a clacky sound profile, then the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a polished or creamy feel, and a frictionless typing experience, then the New North Pole V2 might be more suitable. Ultimately, consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.
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