Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Oil King, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The New North Pole V2 is best known for its crisper typing experience, thanks to the absence of a rubber dampener. However, despite this change, Gateron has managed to retain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel that users have come to love. On the other hand, the Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that resembles the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. With categories like 'Polished', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless' for the New North Pole V2 and 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Bassy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished' for the Oil King, each switch offers its own unique characteristics worth considering. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Oil King differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the New North Pole V2 again incorporates polycarbonate, providing the switch with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Similar to its impact on the top housing, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, its translucency is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Oil King features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This blend is known for its pointed, relatively high-pitched, but not excessively sharp sound profile, often described as clacky.
Despite the differences between the top and bottom housing materials of the two switches, their impact on the overall sound and feel is similar. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when keys are released. In this regard, both the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate and the Oil King's proprietary INK blend contribute to the switch's overall sound profile. Users can expect satisfying tactile feedback from both switches, although the specific characteristics may differ due to the contrasting housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are a few key differences to consider. Firstly, the actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is lighter, requiring only 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Oil King has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may find the New North Pole V2 more suitable for their needs.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams of force to press all the way down, while the Oil King has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range, but the Oil King is considered medium-heavy, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Considering the weight aspect, those who favor a lighter switch may be inclined towards the New North Pole V2. The lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without significant finger fatigue, making it an ideal choice for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Oil King with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Overall, while both switches fall within similar ranges, the New North Pole V2 offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Oil King, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may find the Oil King to be a better match.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the feeling and experience of pressing down on keys with these switches.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is described as unknown based on the available information. However, the Gateron Oil King switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. The Oil King switches offer a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Oil King switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The New North Pole V2 switches are described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. They also retain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel. The Oil King switches are also described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Users can expect a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with both switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Oil King switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. While the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 is unknown, the Oil King switches offer a low-pitched and bassy sound. In terms of feel, both switches are known for their smoothness and offer a frictionless typing experience. Whether you choose the New North Pole V2 or the Oil King, you can expect similar results in terms of comfort and smoothness during your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a crisper typing experience and a frictionless feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its 62.5 gram bottom out force, it offers a medium feel without being too heavy. Despite the removal of the rubber dampener, it still maintains the seamless glide and smoothness characteristic of the North Pole lineup. In terms of sound, the New North Pole V2 provides a balanced and versatile profile.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a rich and low-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel. The Oil King switches are well-known for their buttery smoothness and a sound similar to the snap of a dark chocolate bar. Additionally, the Oil King switches offer a creamy and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Oil King linear switches depends on personal preference. If you prioritize a crisper typing experience and a frictionless feel, go for the New North Pole V2. If you prefer a rich and low-pitched sound profile and a smoother typing experience, the Oil King switches will be more suitable for your needs. Consider your desired weight, sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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