Cherry MX Brown vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron North Pole V2. The Cherry MX Brown is best known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 is characterized as gummy, providing a deep and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel. While the MX Brown offers a textured, bassy, and low-pitched typing experience, the North Pole V2 is gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished. Both switches have their unique advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$4.00 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ in their housing materials, with the MX Brown utilizing a nylon top and bottom housing, while the North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. This distinction in materials results in differences in sound profile and aesthetics. The nylon top housing of the MX Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the North Pole V2 creates a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal.

Similarly, the housing materials used for the bottom housing of the MX Brown and the North Pole V2 also contribute to the overall sound profile and aesthetics. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Brown, being softer and more sound-absorbent, adds to the deeper and fuller sound produced by the switch. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 imparts a clearer and resonant sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. Furthermore, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it a preferred choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through, enhancing the overall visual experience.

While the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ in their housing materials, they share similar qualities in terms of sound profiles. Both nylon and polycarbonate housing materials have specific attributes that contribute to sound production, whether it be a deeper and fuller sound from the softer nylon or a sharper and crisper sound from the stiffer polycarbonate. Therefore, while the individual characteristics may vary, users can expect comparable results from both switches in terms of sound quality and performance.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. In contrast, the North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, offering a slightly more resistant push feel. Similarly, the MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience, while the North Pole V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy and more substantial typing feel.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the MX Brown would be a suitable option as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. It is also a good choice for individuals using a keyboard at work or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a tactile feel but have different force requirements, allowing users to choose according to their preferences.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the MX Brown or the smoothness of the North Pole V2, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with the same travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtly bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This means that the key presses have a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switches provide a more subdued sound. While not completely silent, they offer a dampened and more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are described as having a textured feel. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switches offer a gummy feel. Typing on these switches feels like bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the North Pole V2 switches are also described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. They offer a silky sensation and effortlessly glide through each keystroke. Some users may also find them bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Lastly, the North Pole V2 switches can also be described as polished, offering a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown switches have a subtle audio feedback, with a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. They offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switches provide a deep and muted sound profile, along with a satisfying chewy typing feel. They offer a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. While these two switches have different qualities, they both aim to provide a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a subtle and gentle typing experience with a light tactile feedback and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light typing experience. They provide a textured feel which some users prefer. In terms of sound, the MX Brown switches have a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience. They have a gummy and bouncy feel, reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Furthermore, the switches have a subdued sound profile, creating a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Ultimately, your choice between the Cherry MX Brown and Gateron North Pole V2 switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, typing experience, and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

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Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more