SP-Star Meteor White vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming needs, two popular options that often come up are the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron North Pole V2. The Meteor White is a linear switch that is best known for its gentle and subdued nature, offering a soft type feel and a pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is also a linear switch, but it has a gummy feel and a deep, muted sound profile that is often described as satisfying and chewy. While both switches have their own unique characteristics, offering options such as a mild or creamy typing experience, it's important to dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch will be the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ in terms of the top and bottom housings. The Meteor White features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of nylon. It absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the North Pole V2 is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When it comes to the bottom housing, pressing down on the switch will elicit the qualities of the material used. With the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White, the bottom-out sound and feel will be impacted. Its softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and more cushioned bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 creates a sharper and more defined bottom-out sound, thanks to its stiffer composition.
Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. The nylon top housing of the Meteor White contributes to a softer and more rounded sound when letting go of a key, enhancing the overall typing experience with a deeper tone. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing of the North Pole V2 produces a crisper and more resonant sound upon key release, adding a clear and distinct element to the typing sound.
Although their housing materials differ, both the Meteor White and the North Pole V2 provide unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon in the Meteor White emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate in the North Pole V2 accentuates a sharper and crisper sound. If you are aiming for a more muted and cushioned experience, the Meteor White's nylon housing will suit your preference. However, if you prefer a more defined and resonant sound, along with the option of RGB lighting, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities to enhance your typing experience by manipulating sound profiles through their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. However, it is worth mentioning that the exact actuation force of the Meteor White is unavailable, making it difficult to make a direct comparison.
In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White has a slightly lighter force of 57 grams, which falls under the medium-light range. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that typing on the North Pole V2 switch will provide a more substantial feel and may be preferred by individuals who prefer a stronger push when typing.
However, since the actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown, it is challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two switches in this aspect. It is possible that the Meteor White has a similar actuation force to the North Pole V2, which is 50 grams. In such a scenario, users opting for either switch would get similar results when it comes to triggering keystrokes.
Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Meteor White switch as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for work purposes or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the North Pole V2 due to its heavier forces.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch are equal, both measuring 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Whether it's typing or gaming, both switches will provide a consistent experience in terms of travel distance. Overall, there is no significant difference between the two switches in this aspect.
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 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
The SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is best known for its subdued and gentle qualities. It offers a soft and pitter-patter sound profile, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The feel of this switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Meteor White switch offers a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, making it suitable for various purposes and preferences.
On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is best known for its gummy feel and deep, muted sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a satisfying chewy typing feel, similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The sound produced by the North Pole V2 is described as subdued, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Additionally, this switch also has a polished finish, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Comparing the two switches, the Meteor White has a more neutral sound profile while the North Pole V2 has a more subdued sound profile. Both switches offer a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Meteor White provides a softer and more gentle typing experience, while the North Pole V2 offers a gummy and bouncy feel. If you prefer a quieter and milder typing experience, the Meteor White would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more unique and chewy typing feel, the North Pole V2 would be a great option.
Overall, both switches offer their own distinct qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a similar soft and muted sound profile as the Meteor White, the North Pole V2 can provide similar results. Similarly, if you're looking for a polished feel with reduced friction, both switches can offer a smooth typing experience. Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel to make the best choice between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a gentle and soft typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, then the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the one for you. This switch offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Meteor White has a neutral profile that is suitable for most purposes, but it also has a thocky option for those who prefer a deep and satisfying sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and gummy typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the better choice. It provides a unique sensation of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear and offers options like creamy and bouncy switches for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback. In terms of sound, the North Pole V2 switch has a subdued profile, producing a dampened and subtle sound. Ultimately, the decision between the Meteor White and the North Pole V2 switches depends on your preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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