Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Olive mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with a decision between a linear switch and a tactile switch. The New North Pole V2 is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, made even crisper by the removal of the rubber dampener. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches stand out for their accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, enhanced by the unique design and long pole stem. While both switches offer unique benefits, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

Bsun Olive Tactile

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

Overall, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Olive switches feature unique and high-quality housing materials. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile with a sharper, higher-pitched tone. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches use POM for both their top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 switches is likely to provide a more pronounced and crisp sound compared to the POM in the Bsun Olive switches.

One key difference between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The New North Pole V2's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, while also allowing for translucency ideal for RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the Olive's POM top housing creates a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. This contrast highlights how different housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While both switches offer quality housing materials, the choice between polycarbonate and POM ultimately depends on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences of the user.

In terms of functionality, the qualities of the housing materials in both switches are divided between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing material has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This split showcases how the choice of housing material for each component of a switch can affect the overall typing experience. Whether opting for the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 or the deeper sound of POM in the Bsun Olive, users can expect a unique and pleasing typing experience based on their housing material preferences.

Weight

In comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we can see that the actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is slightly heavier at 50 grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Olive is higher at 65 grams, while the New North Pole V2 measures at 62.5 grams. Both switches fall under the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Olive switch, as it has a lower actuation force, making it easier to type for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a slightly heavier push feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Bsun Olive tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The New North Pole V2 is more suited for those who prefer a deeper key press, providing a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Olive switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, ideal for users looking for a quicker response time and a more sensitive key press. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the New North Pole V2 offering a longer travel distance and the Bsun Olive providing a slightly shorter but still substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize depth or speed in your typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer distinct characteristics. The New North Pole V2 is known for its silent operation, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch produces a resonant and deep sound, adding an auditory element to the typing process. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the North Pole V2 favoring a quieter approach and the Olive switch delivering a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer contrasting tactile experiences. The New North Pole V2 is lauded for its frictionless typing feel, providing a smooth and effortless key press that is free from any resistance or friction. In comparison, the Bsun Olive switch offers a tactile feedback that is characterized by its pronounced and sharp tactile bump, resulting in a more invigorating and responsive typing sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile profiles that cater to different preferences, with the North Pole V2 emphasizing a seamless and polished typing experience, while the Olive switch delivers a more accentuated and sharp tactile feedback.

Overall, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table. The New North Pole V2 excels in providing a seamless and silent typing experience with its frictionless feel, while the Bsun Olive switch stands out for its resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the quiet and polished typing experience of the North Pole V2 or the deep and tactile feedback of the Olive switch. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and serve as excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch or the Bsun Olive tactile switch, think about the typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and polished feel with a frictionless typing experience, the New North Pole V2 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with pronounced feedback, an invigorating typing sensation, and a distinct sound profile, the Bsun Olive switch could be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more