Gateron Mars vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Gateron Mars and the Gateron New North Pole V2 are two notable linear switches that each present unique advantages. The Mars switch is celebrated for its innovative design, utilizing a POK stem and a blended Nylon and POM housing, which contribute to a smooth and responsive keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists seeking a reliable, consistent feel. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 distinguishes itself by eliminating the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, offering a crisper typing experience without sacrificing the beloved frictionless glide that users appreciate. As a result, this switch caters to those who enjoy a touch of added clarity in their keystrokes while maintaining a smooth, polished action. While both switches provide linear feedback and a satisfying typing experience, they cater to slightly different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Gateron New North Pole V2, it becomes evident that they employ distinctly different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Martian switches feature a nylon top housing, renowned for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to its clearer sound, making it particularly appealing for those desiring a more pronounced acoustic feedback, especially in keyboards outfitted with RGB lighting.

The bottom housings further accentuate the tonal differences between the two switches. The Gateron Mars is designed with a POM bottom housing, which adds to the deeper and more muted sound profile while also contributing to a unique tactile feel. This material excels in creating a sound that remains on the subdued side, enhancing the overall acoustic experience when typing. In stark contrast, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing in creating a consistent and bright sound profile. The result is a sharper auditory experience that complements the notable clarity of the switch's top, reinforcing the transition between pressing a key and releasing it.

While the contrasting materials lead to differences in sound and feel, the interplay between the two housing types in each switch also means that users can expect varied acoustic experiences based on which aspect of the switch they focus on during typing. For the Mars switches, the nylon top enhances the release sound, while the POM bottom provides a satisfying and muted bottom-out experience. Conversely, the New North Pole V2's combination of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing accentuates a clear, bright sound profile throughout. If a user prefers a more harmonious sound experience, they could appreciate how a switch with a polycarbonate bottom may balance the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate top housing, whereas the Mars may provide a cozy and full-bodied typing feel overall.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we find some notable differences. The Gateron Mars features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter of the two switches. This lower force can be advantageous for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, allowing for extended use without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial keystroke feel. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 has a defined bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a clear tactile feedback when the switch is fully pressed. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Mars switch remains unknown. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter touch and plan on long typing sessions, the Gateron Mars might be the preferable choice, while the New North Pole V2 is better suited for those who favor a heavier, more tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we find that the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 measures 4 mm. This makes the Mars the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience that is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 offers a longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress and a robust feel, characteristic of traditional switch designs. Thus, if you're after a quicker actuation, the Mars might be the better choice, whereas the New North Pole V2 would cater to those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars switch remains somewhat ambiguous, as details regarding its acoustic signature are not specified. However, contrast this with the Gateron New North Pole V2, which is characterized by a noticeably crisper sound profile due to the absence of the rubber dampener. This addition enhances key actuation sounds, ensuring that each keystroke is sharp and pronounced. As with any mechanical switch, the overall sound output will also be influenced by the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used, meaning that each user's experience can vary.

In terms of feel, the Mars switch presents a unique typing experience thanks to its POK stem and the carefully engineered Nylon and POM housing. This design likely contributes to a distinct smoothness, although specifics about its tactile feedback are not available. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 boasts a more clearly defined feel, featuring attributes such as being polished, creamy, and frictionless. Users can expect a highly refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it a delightful choice for those who prioritize a luxurious and effortless touch when typing. The frictionless nature, in particular, ensures minimal resistance, allowing for swift and fluid keystrokes.

In summary, while the Gateron Mars and New North Pole V2 switches cater to users looking for smooth linear experiences, the New North Pole V2 stands out with its crisp sound and well-defined tactile experience due to the lack of a rubber dampener and its frictionless characteristics. Both switches may offer a degree of satisfaction for users seeking a linear switch, but the New North Pole V2 provides more detailed and refined qualities in terms of both sound and feel. Ultimately, if you're looking for a blend of smoothness and punctuated acoustics, the New North Pole V2 may be the preferred option, while the Mars could still deliver a satisfying experience with its unique design.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are drawn to an innovative design and prioritize an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, the Mars switch may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you enjoy a lighter touch without needing to know the exact bottom-out force. Its unique POK stem and nylon-POM blend housing contribute to a fluid key travel that makes typing feel almost seamless. Conversely, if you appreciate a more defined tactile experience with a medium actuation force, the New North Pole V2 would suit you better. It offers a crisp typing feel without the rubber dampener, allowing for that polish and creaminess that enhances your typing satisfaction. The frictionless nature of these switches makes gliding over the keys pleasurable, which is perfect for both gaming and typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value lightness and smoothness or prefer a more deliberate and solid typing action in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more