SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron New North Pole V2. On one hand, the Meteor White provides a subtle and gentle typing experience with its linear switch design. With an easy push and a soft, pitter-patter sound profile, it offers a neutral and mild feel that is categorized as "thocky" and "polished." On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 takes a different approach by removing the rubber dampener of its predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience. Despite this change, Gateron has maintained the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel. Categorized as "polished," "creamy," and "frictionless," this switch provides seamless glide and smoothness that users have grown to love. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron New North Pole V2 differ in their choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom housing. The Meteor White utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the New North Pole V2 opts for polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Meteor White contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Additionally, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for users planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the Meteor White's nylon top housing lacks this feature.
In terms of the bottom housing, the nylon and polycarbonate materials once again provide distinct characteristics to the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White offers a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, aligning with its top housing. Again, the New North Pole V2's transparent polycarbonate bottom housing allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, whereas the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing lacks this aesthetic feature.
Considering the impact of the housing materials during usage, both switches demonstrate how the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housing. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and sound characteristics when comparing the switches, regardless of the differences in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Meteor White's actuation force is an unavailable measurement, while the New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Meteor White at 57 grams and the New North Pole V2 at 62.5 grams.
The lighter actuation force of the New North Pole V2 may make it appealing to those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This switch would be suitable for individuals who need to type for extended periods, whether it be for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Meteor White's unavailable actuation force means that it is difficult to directly compare it to the New North Pole V2.
For those who desire a more substantial and firm typing experience, the heavier actuation force of the New North Pole V2 may be more suitable. However, it's important to note that the Meteor White's bottom out force is slightly lighter, which could potentially provide a softer overall typing experience.
To sum up, while the actuation force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is unknown, its bottom out force is lighter compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch. The New North Pole V2 has a lower actuation force and a higher bottom out force, making it a slightly heavier option overall. However, for those seeking a similar result, the lighter actuation force of the New North Pole V2 can provide a comparable typing experience to the Meteor White.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in the typing experience, as it determines the length of travel required for a keystroke to register. In the case of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that pressing down on a key, whether it be with the Meteor White or the New North Pole V2, will require the same 4 mm of travel. Therefore, users can expect to achieve similar results with both switches in terms of the distance traveled.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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.
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
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is best known for its soft and subdued qualities. It offers a gentle and easy-to-push feel, resulting in a smooth and approachable typing experience. The sound profile of the Meteor White is described as neutral and thocky. This means that it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. The thocky sound it produces is deep, rich, and satisfying, akin to a soft "knock" or a deep "thud" when the key is pressed and released.
On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a crisper typing experience compared to its predecessor. It no longer has a rubber dampener, which contributes to a more precise and crisp typing feel. However, Gateron has retained the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel. This means that the New North Pole V2 offers a seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. The exact sound profile of the New North Pole V2 is not specified, but it is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Meteor White provides a soft and gentle typing experience with a subdued and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener and retains a frictionless feel that ensures smoothness and ease of use. Both switches are polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While specific sound profiles for the New North Pole V2 are not mentioned, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used when evaluating the overall sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as the specific requirements and preferences of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force, this switch is easy to push and offers a pitter-patter sound profile. It is described as having a neutral or thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Meteor White is described as mild and polished, providing a safe and middle-ground typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener and a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a slightly higher bottom out force compared to the Meteor White, the New North Pole V2 provides a medium typing experience. It is also described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with effortless keystrokes and fluid key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch depends on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. Consider factors such as the desired bottom out force, softness of the switch, and the type of sound you find pleasing. Whether you prioritize a gentle and subdued typing experience or a crisper and frictionless feel, both switches offer their unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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