Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboards are becoming increasingly popular among users due to their superior tactile feedback and durability. When it comes to choosing the perfect switch for your keyboard, two options that stand out are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron North Pole V2. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that offers a crisper typing experience compared to its predecessor. It no longer has a rubber dampener, which allows for a frictionless typing feel that users love. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 is also a linear switch but is best known for its gummy and chewy typing feel. It provides a deep and muted sound profile that adds to the overall satisfaction of typing. Both switches offer a creamy and polished feel, but the North Pole V2 also has a subdued and bouncy touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron North Pole V2 are both made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for the switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through and create vibrant effects. Therefore, both the New North Pole V2 and the North Pole V2 will offer similar results in terms of sound and lighting performance due to the shared use of polycarbonate.
However, it is worth mentioning that if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, their respective housing materials will have distinct impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switch. The top housing, which is responsible for the sound when releasing a key, will play a more significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch. Conversely, the bottom housing's qualities will be felt more prominently during bottom-out, contributing to the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Therefore, while the housing materials may be the same for the New North Pole V2 and the North Pole V2, the distribution and impact of these materials may differ slightly depending on the specific design of each switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron North Pole V2 utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Their shared use of polycarbonate makes them visually appealing for RGB lighting setups due to the translucency of the material. However, if the top and bottom housings differ in a particular switch, their respective housing materials will impact the sound and feel during key press and release differently. Overall, the similarities in housing materials ensure that both switches will offer comparable sound and lighting performance, while any differences lie in the distribution and influence of these materials within each switch's design.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 is lighter, requiring 62.5 grams of force, while the North Pole V2 is heavier, requiring 65 grams of force. These differences in weight have implications for different preferences in typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice. This lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the North Pole V2 with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique advantages and users can choose according to their personal preference and intended use.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch are both 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 subjective qualities of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch can be compared in terms of sound and feel. The New North Pole V2 is known for providing a crisper typing experience without the rubber dampener found in its predecessor. While the specific sound profile of the New North Pole V2 is not mentioned, it can be inferred that it is different from the deep and muted sound profile of the North Pole V2.
On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is described as having a subdued sound when pressed. It offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. In terms of feel, both switches share some similarities. The New North Pole V2 retains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel. This indicates that users can still expect a seamless glide and smoothness when typing on the New North Pole V2.
The North Pole V2, on the other hand, provides a satisfying chewy typing feel. It is further described as gummy, offering a unique typing experience akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, both switches are also described as creamy, indicating a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to either lubricants applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switches.
In conclusion, while the specific sound profiles of the New North Pole V2 and North Pole V2 are not explicitly mentioned, it can be inferred that the New North Pole V2 offers a crisper and more distinct typing experience compared to its predecessor. Both switches share a frictionless typing feel and a creamy sensation, resulting in smooth and effortless key travel. The North Pole V2 also provides a gummy and bouncy typing feel. Overall, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch, depending on their preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a crisper typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be a great choice for you. Despite not having a rubber dampener like its predecessor, it still offers the hallmark frictionless typing feel that users love. Additionally, if you enjoy a polished or creamy feel, this switch provides a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and effortless key travel.
On the other hand, if you appreciate a unique and gummy typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch would be a better fit for you. With its deep and muted sound profile, along with a satisfying chewy typing feel, this switch offers a distinctive sensation when bottoming out. Moreover, if you desire a creamy or bouncy feel, this switch delivers a smooth and buttery typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Gateron North Pole V2 switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience, bottom out force, and sound profile. Understanding these key differences will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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