Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream are two popular options worth considering. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Gateron has managed to maintain the seamless glide and smoothness that users have grown to love, even with the removal of the rubber dampener found in its predecessor. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a heftier linear typing experience, with a deep sound profile that adds a touch of texture and resonance to your keystrokes. Both switches bring their own unique qualities to the table, making the choice ultimately dependent on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their choice of housing materials. The New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, whereas POM housings produce a deeper and relatively more muted sound.

In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer unique advantages. The polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 allows for translucency, making it an ideal choice for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the NovelKeys Cream may not offer the same level of translucency, but it provides a more pleasing and distinct sound profile.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gateron New North Pole V2 incorporates a polycarbonate material, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM material. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the New North Pole V2 will be influenced by the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a clearer and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Cream contributes to a deeper and relatively more muted sound.

Although the top and bottom housings differ for these switches, it's important to consider how these materials affect overall performance. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. While the specific characteristics of polycarbonate and POM may differ, both switches offer their own unique sound profiles and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is 50 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 has a slightly lighter force of 62.5 grams compared to the NovelKeys Cream's 70 grams.

In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the New North Pole V2, as the lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for effortless typing over longer periods of time. This could be advantageous for individuals using the keyboard for work or during extended gaming sessions.

On the other hand, if someone prefers a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel, they may opt for the NovelKeys Cream. With its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Cream switch provides a more robust and tactile typing experience.

Overall, while both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the New North Pole V2 is slightly lighter, offering a smoother and easier typing experience, whereas the NovelKeys Cream provides a stronger push feel for those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring that users can expect similar results no matter which switch they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is not explicitly described in the provided information. However, based on the removal of the rubber dampener and the retained frictionless typing feel, it can be inferred that the switch produces a relatively quiet sound profile with minimal feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile with a clean, sharp, and resonant tone. This suggests that the Cream switch offers a deeper and more immersive auditory experience compared to the New North Pole V2.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. These qualities indicate a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, effortless key travel, and a sleek sensation. The switch is designed to effortlessly glide fingers across the keys, offering a fluid and seamless typing sensation. Similarly, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. These descriptors suggest that the Cream switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a uniform typing sensation. It offers a moderate to firm actuation force, pronounced feedback, and a snappy and reactive feel.

Based on the available information, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches offer contrasting subjective qualities. The New North Pole V2 focuses on maintaining a frictionless typing feel with a seamless glide and smoothness, providing a crisper typing experience without the rubber dampener. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile and a buttery, invigorating feel. If you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice, while the Cream switches would be ideal for those who prefer a deeper and more responsive typing sensation. It is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider.

If you are looking for a medium bottom-out force, both switches offer a similar weight, with the New North Pole V2 at 62.5 grams and the NovelKeys Cream at 70 grams. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, the NovelKeys Cream may be more suitable for you.

When it comes to sound, the New North Pole V2 is described as having a sound profile that is currently undefined. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and immersive auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is known for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, it retains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream is characterized as buttery and textured, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. It is worth noting that it offers a more invigorating experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience. If you value a frictionless, smooth, and refined typing feel, the New North Pole V2 may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a buttery and invigorating feel, the NovelKeys Cream may be more suitable. Consider these factors and choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more