SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron North Pole V2 offer distinct and noteworthy differences. The Meteor Orange switches are renowned for their exquisite gentleness and soft tactility, providing a captivating typing experience. With a neutral sound profile, these switches offer a pleasing and polished feel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switches are characterized by a delightful gummy sensation, delivering a deep and muted sound profile that adds to the typing enjoyment. Their creamy and subdued feel combined with a bouncy touch makes for a satisfying 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

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches differ in terms of the top and bottom housings. The Meteor Orange uses a nylon top and bottom housing, while the North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. This distinction leads to variations in sound profiles and aesthetics.

In terms of sound, the nylon housing of the Meteor Orange creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, if you plan to use RGB lighting, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing of the North Pole V2 is particularly advantageous.

Regarding aesthetics, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange does not offer the translucent quality of polycarbonate. The North Pole V2, featuring a polycarbonate top housing, allows for a clear housing that enhances the visibility of RGB lighting effects. So, if you prioritize a visually vibrant keyboard setup with colorful lighting, the North Pole V2 may be more appealing.

However, despite the differences in housing materials, both switches share the common characteristic of using similar materials for their top and bottom housings. Both nylon and polycarbonate have distinct properties that influence the sound and feel of the switches. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Meteor Orange has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to determine its precise force required to trigger a keystroke. However, its bottom out force is 57 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it lighter than the Meteor Orange. Moreover, it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which places it in the medium-heavy range.

Considering weight is essential for different preferences when it comes to typing experiences. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable typing for longer durations, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. Meanwhile, others seek a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, and they typically prefer switches with heavier forces.

In terms of actuation force, the specific value for the Meteor Orange is not available, so it cannot be directly compared to the 50 grams required for the North Pole V2. However, both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force. Thus, if a similar typing experience with regards to bottoming out is desired, both switches may potentially provide similar results. It's important to note that the North Pole V2 is generally lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the unavailable actuation force of the Meteor Orange, indicating a potentially lighter feel when triggering keystrokes. Conversely, the North Pole V2 is heavier in terms of bottom out force with its 65 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience in comparison to the medium-light 57 grams of the Meteor Orange.

Travel distance

Both the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key that uses either of these switches will result in a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel. Both switches provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, making them ideal choices for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for their keys. With a travel distance of 4 mm, these switches offer a relatively shorter keystroke compared to switches with longer travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use at home or in a work environment. However, the Meteor Orange switch also has a thocky sound characteristic, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch offers a more subdued sound profile. While not completely silent, it provides a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Meteor Orange switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gateron North Pole V2 switch, on the other hand, has a unique feel described as gummy. Typing on these switches can feel like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, providing a distinctive tactile sensation. Additionally, the North Pole V2 switch is also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It is also bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation and giving you rebound when pressed.

Taking all the available information into account, the SP-Star Meteor Orange and Gateron North Pole V2 switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor Orange switch has a soft and seductive tactility and a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic. It provides a gentle and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy, creamy, and bouncy, with a deep and muted sound profile. It offers a unique and chewy typing feel. If you prefer a switch with gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for a switch with a distinctive feel and sound experience, the North Pole V2 switch would be a great option. Keep in mind that the ultimate typing experience also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're looking for a gentle and smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a moderate bottom out force of 57 grams, making them medium-light. They are best known for their soft and seductive tactility, offering a mild and polished feel. Additionally, the Meteor Orange switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments.

On the other hand, if you prefer a unique typing experience with a chewy feel and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches provide a gummy and creamy sensation when typing. The North Pole V2 switches have a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and more subtle sound compared to other switches.

Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you value a gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, or if you prefer a chewy feel and subdued sound. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

SP-Star Meteor Orange Tactile

$5.50

$5.00 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more