Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a unique typing experience for enthusiasts. The New North Pole V2 is recognized for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, with the removal of the rubber dampener providing a crisper feel while maintaining a seamless glide and smoothness. On the other hand, the Cold Plum stands out with its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, delivering a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. While the New North Pole V2 offers a refined and frictionless typing experience, the Cold Plum provides a distinct and enjoyable typing feel with its unique sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder tone. Therefore, users looking for a switch with a clearer and more defined sound may prefer the New North Pole V2, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound experience may lean towards the Cold Plum.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 again offers a sharper, crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Cold Plum provides a deeper and fuller sound. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is evident in both switches, with the stiffer polycarbonate creating a more resonant bottom-out sound compared to the softer nylon. However, the qualities brought by the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both housing materials in the overall sound profile of a switch.
While the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum differ in terms of their sound profiles, they both offer unique benefits based on their specific properties. Users seeking a switch with a clearer and more resonant sound may appreciate the polycarbonate housings of the New North Pole V2, while those looking for a deeper and fuller sound may gravitate towards the nylon housings of the Cold Plum. Despite the differences in sound, both switches are designed to optimize sound quality and offer a satisfying typing experience for users with different preferences in sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired sound experience.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. This means that the New North Pole V2 may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 has a slightly lighter force of 62.5 grams compared to the Cold Plum's 70 grams. This difference in bottom out force indicates that the Cold Plum may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Overall, the New North Pole V2 and the Cold Plum switches both fall in the medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing and gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option for keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, catering to those who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers. While both switches offer smooth linear actuation, the New North Pole V2 provides a slightly deeper keypress compared to the Cold Plum. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference when it comes to travel distance and the level of responsiveness desired.
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 Cold Plum 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, with a focus on a frictionless keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch delivers a unique thocky sound profile thanks to its fully nylon construction, offering a satisfying noise with each key press.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is described as offering a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. This means that users can expect a smooth and refined finish, reduced friction, and effortless key travel with these switches. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum switch is not specifically outlined in the provided information.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch that provides a quiet and smooth typing experience with a focus on frictionless keystrokes, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch that offers a unique thocky sound profile and are interested in trying out a fully nylon construction, the Outemu Cold Plum switch might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, and depending on your preferences, you can expect to get similar satisfying results with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a crisp typing experience with a frictionless feel, the New North Pole V2 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, the Cold Plum switch might be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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