Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Blue Jade stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its polished and creamy feel, offering a frictionless typing experience that enables effortless keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize smoothness and speed during lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch, designed to provide a pronounced tactile feedback with an audible click, which appeals to users who enjoy the nostalgic sound and feel of traditional typewriters, making it perfect for typists seeking a gratifying auditory experience while they work. While each switch caters to different preferences—smooth efficiency versus engaging tactility—they both have their loyal followings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
2.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Blue Jade, a clear contrast emerges between polycarbonate and nylon in both the top and bottom housings. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances resonance, making it ideal for those who prefer a clearer auditory experience when typing or gaming. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate supports vibrant RGB lighting, allowing for a visually striking aesthetic in illuminated setups.
In stark contrast, the Blue Jade features nylon for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. Users of the Blue Jade may appreciate the muted sound characteristic of nylon, which is often described as more satisfying for long typing sessions, as it tends to reduce the harshness that can accompany louder switches. This difference in material choice not only affects sound quality but also influences the overall feel of the switch under varying typing conditions.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch leads to different user experiences. While both switches employ different materials—polycarbonate for the New North Pole V2 and nylon for the Blue Jade—their acoustic properties create a distinctive soundscape. Users favoring a crisper, more resonant auditory feedback may gravitate toward the New North Pole V2, while those who prefer a softer and deeper sound might find the Blue Jade more appealing. Regardless of the material differences, the design of each switch allows for a fulfilling typing experience, with the sound dynamics influenced by their respective housing materials—each offering unique benefits that cater to a range of preferences.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch have comparable actuation forces, both requiring 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ: the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Blue Jade necessitates a slightly heavier force of 65 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar typing feel when it comes to initiating a keystroke, the Blue Jade offers a firmer resistance once fully pressed down, making it feel somewhat heavier overall. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean toward the New North Pole V2, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may find the Outemu Blue Jade more appealing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. As a result, users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch. This equivalency in travel distance means that both switches provide a consistent key press experience, allowing for similar typing dynamics regardless of which switch is utilized. Overall, users can enjoy uniformity in key travel with these two options.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provides a relatively quiet experience, thanks to its absence of click mechanisms, making it less intrusive and ideal for environments where noise reduction is important. This subdued sound profile allows for a more focused typing experience, especially when used for prolonged periods. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch features a distinct auditory feedback characterized by a pronounced click sound with each keypress. This clicky quality can be satisfying for users who appreciate auditory confirmation of their keystrokes, but it may not be suitable for shared spaces or quiet settings.
In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 excels with its polished and creamy characteristics, ensuring a remarkably smooth and effortless typing experience. The frictionless nature of the switch allows for fluid travel, which can be particularly appealing for those who type rapidly or enjoy a seamless glide as they navigate through documents or code. Conversely, the Blue Jade's feel is less defined in this comparison, as its specific tactile feedback and smoothness are not noted. Hence, while the New North Pole V2 offers a refined typing sensation, the Blue Jade's tactile aspects remain unspecified.
In summary, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Blue Jade serve different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The New North Pole V2 is ideal for users seeking a smooth, quiet typing experience with a premium feel, while the Blue Jade appeals to those who enjoy the auditory and tactile feedback of a clicky switch. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on your typing preferences, whether you prioritize a subtle and frictionless experience or a more tactile, sound-rich environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch fundamentally hinges on your individual typing preferences and intended use cases. If you favor a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a polished and creamy feel, the New North Pole V2 is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions or if you prefer a silent environment. Its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams makes it comfortable for extended use without causing excessive fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate auditory feedback and a tactile experience that provides a satisfying click with each keystroke, the Outemu Blue Jade may be more to your liking. The medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams gives it a sturdier feel, which some typists find reassuring, particularly during fast-paced typing. In short, select the Gateron New North Pole V2 for a smoother, quieter experience and the Outemu Blue Jade if you crave that satisfying click and tactile response.
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