Gateron Melodic vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Melodic is praised for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is known for its gummy linear switch experience, offering a deep and muted sound profile with a chewy typing feel. Both switches have unique qualities that may appeal to 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron North Pole V2, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, where the Melodic differs is in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 sticks to polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, maintaining consistency in sound profile throughout the switch.
While both the Melodic and North Pole V2 switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material between the two switches results in distinct sound profiles. The Melodic, with its nylon bottom housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, consistent with the top housing material. This distinction highlights the impact that housing material can have on the overall typing experience and sound feedback of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron North Pole V2 plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the Melodic's additional use of nylon for the bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the North Pole V2's consistent polycarbonate housing. Understanding how different housing materials can impact sound and feel can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing experience and sound feedback.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Melodic switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is lighter than the North Pole V2's bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that the Melodic switch provides a lighter typing experience overall compared to the North Pole V2. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the North Pole V2 would be the better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get consistent and familiar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Whether you prefer the clicky feel of the Melodic switch or the smooth linear feel of the North Pole V2 switch, both offer the same travel distance, providing a reliable and consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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.
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 Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing users with a higher-pitched, clean, and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch produces a subdued sound, offering a more dampened and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so users may experience variations in sound based on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing users with a smooth, fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform, along with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing experience, where users can expect a unique feel akin to bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, a smooth and buttery typing sensation, elastic feedback for a spring-like feel, and a refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Users will have to consider their preference for typing feel when choosing between these two switches.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, users can expect different experiences in terms of sound and feel. If a user prefers a more clicky sound with tactile feedback and a smooth keystroke experience, the Melodic may be the better choice. On the other hand, if a user enjoys a more subdued sound with a gummy typing feel that is smooth and bouncy, the North Pole V2 could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, the Melodic switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subdued sound with a gummy and creamy typing sensation, the North Pole V2 switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the overall typing experience you desire, whether it be a classic clicky feel with the Melodic switch or a smooth and muted typing experience with the North Pole V2 switch.
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