Gateron Magnetic Jade vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Magnetic Jade and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the typing experience desired. Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, characterized by their hall effect mechanism, deliver a unique auditory feedback with a bright and clacky sound that enthusiasts adore, making them an excellent upgrade for Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. They cater to those who prioritize acoustics and want a superior tactile feel. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches offer a frictionless typing experience without the rubber dampeners found in their predecessor, resulting in a crisp and polished response that many typists appreciate for seamless typing. While the Magnetic Jade is ideal for users seeking engaging sound and tactile feedback, the New North Pole V2 appeals to those who prefer a smooth and creamy experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Gateron Magnetic Jade and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches exhibit notable similarities in their top housing material, as both are crafted from polycarbonate. This choice of material imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness enhances clarity and resonance, which is advantageous not only for typing experience but also for aesthetics, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows for vibrant and even light distribution, ensuring that both switches provide visually appealing results under lighting effects. Consequently, users who value a clear and bright sound, along with aesthetic compatibility, will find consistent performance in the top housing of both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches, with the Magnetic Jade featuring a nylon bottom housing while the New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as it is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This difference in bottom housing material influences how each switch feels and sounds when bottomed out. The Magnetic Jade will produce a fuller sound, while the New North Pole V2, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will maintain the sharper audio profile created by its top housing, resulting in more resonance when keys are released.
The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Magnetic Jade juxtaposed with the polycarbonate configurations of the New North Pole V2 results in distinct sound experiences based on the physical housing materials. The Magnetic Jade’s mixed materials yield a sound that balances clarity and depth, while the New North Pole V2 leans towards a consistent crispness across its entire structure. Thus, while both switches may share characteristics in the top housing, the unique bottom housing of each switch introduces impactful differences in their respective sound profiles and tactile feedback. Therefore, users might select the switch that aligns more closely with their desired auditory and tactile experiences, understanding that the composition of the housing plays a crucial role in achieving their preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which provides a more substantial and resistive feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Consequently, for those who favor lighter keys for comfort during prolonged use, the Magnetic Jade may be the better option, while the New North Pole V2 is likely to appeal to those who appreciate a heavier, more deliberate keystroke. Thus, while both switches serve different user preferences, they distinctly differ in both actuation and bottom out forces, with the Magnetic Jade being lighter and the New North Pole V2 being heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Magnetic Jade features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Magnetic Jade the shorter option, catering to those who may prioritize quicker key presses for enhanced responsiveness, often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional feel, providing a reassuring depth that some users appreciate for a more tactile typing experience. Thus, if a user desires faster response times, the Magnetic Jade would be the better choice, while those seeking a more substantial keypress might lean towards the New North Pole V2.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 Magnetic Jade switch is celebrated for its bright and clacky acoustics, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an engaging auditory feedback to enhance their typing experience. This lively sound profile, often amplified by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, provides a satisfying auditory cue with each keystroke. Conversely, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch produces a more subdued sound due to the absence of a rubber dampener, giving it a crisper note. Although it may not compete with the clackiness of the Magnetic Jade, the New North Pole V2 offers a clean, sharp sound that can be appealing to those who appreciate a more refined audio characteristic.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch delivers an exceptional typing experience, renowned for its smooth actuation, although specific details about its tactile qualities are less frequently emphasized. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 offers a combination of polished, creamy, and frictionless attributes. This means users can expect a typing experience that is not only silky and smooth, akin to gliding fingers over the keys, but also frictionless, which minimizes resistance during keystrokes. The New North Pole V2's design ensures that each keystroke feels effortless and fluid, making it particularly appealing for those who value a seamless and refined touch when typing.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Magnetic Jade and New North Pole V2 switches have their unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Magnetic Jade excels in providing a bright and clacky sound paired with a refined typing experience, while the New North Pole V2 focuses on delivering a crisp sound and a super smooth, frictionless feel. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or tactile smoothness in your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you're seeking. If you're looking for a vibrant and clacky sound profile that enhances your acoustic enjoyment while typing, the Magnetic Jade is the way to go. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams makes it ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, allowing for quicker and more comfortable keystrokes—perfect for gamers and those who spend long hours typing. On the other hand, if you favor a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel with a slightly firmer actuation force of 62.5 grams, the New North Pole V2 may better suit your needs. Its crisp typing experience and luxurious smoothness make it a fantastic choice for users who appreciate precision and a refined touch in their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider factors such as the sound, feel, and required actuation force to determine which switch aligns most closely with your personal typing style and requirements.
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