Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron North Pole V2 stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Jupiter Browns are tactile switches that offer a blend of tradition and innovation, providing a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is a linear switch known for its gummy and creamy typing experience, coupled with a subdued sound profile. While the Jupiter Browns prioritize tactile feedback and a polished keystroke experience, the North Pole V2 focuses on a unique gummy typing feel and a bouncy response. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron North Pole V2 use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for switches designed with lighting in mind. However, the Jupiter Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
The difference in housing materials between the Jupiter Brown and North Pole V2 not only affects the sound profile but also the feel of typing on these switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown provides a different tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of pressing down on a key will be more pronounced on the Jupiter Brown due to the properties of nylon. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, with the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing and the North Pole V2's polycarbonate top housing both contributing to a clear and resonant sound.
While the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Gateron North Pole V2 share the same polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials provides distinct characteristics to each switch. The Jupiter Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch reveals some differences. The Jupiter Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown requires 70 grams of force, while the North Pole V2 needs 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the North Pole V2 might be the better option, as it has slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Jupiter Brown for its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, meaning they will both provide a similar typing experience in terms of the keypress depth. This distance is relatively standard for mechanical switches and allows for a satisfying tactile or linear response depending on the user's preference. Therefore, whether you choose the Jupiter Brown or the North Pole V2 switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance. In this case, both switches offer the same travel distance, making them equal in this aspect compared to other switches with varying distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is known for its distinctive sound profile, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a more subdued sound signature, providing a quieter typing experience overall. Both switches offer unique auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the North Pole V2 may be more suitable for those who prefer a quieter keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is characterized as mild, polished, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished feel, which gives a soft and cushioned sensation when typing. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback that can cater to different preferences in terms of typing comfort and sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch both have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Jupiter Brown offers a more traditional tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, the North Pole V2 provides a softer and more cushioned linear typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch or the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, you should take into account your preference for the typing experience. If you enjoy a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and a more traditional tactile sensation, the Jupiter Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique, gummy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile, the North Pole V2 could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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