Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2, a linear switch, to the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, some key differences emerge. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Unlike its predecessor, it no longer features a rubber dampener, providing a crisper feel without compromising on smoothness. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown lacks a standout feature but offers a standard tactile feedback. Those looking for a seamless glide and smooth typing experience might lean towards the New North Pole V2, while those who prefer a more traditional tactile response might opt for the Crystal Brown. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Crystal Brown, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
When it comes to typing experience, the housing materials of the New North Pole V2 and the Crystal Brown will have a noticeable impact on the overall feel and sound of the switches. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a different typing experience compared to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with nylon providing a deeper sound while polycarbonate delivers a sharper, crisper sound. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate creating a more resonant sound compared to nylon.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown affects the sound profile, typing experience, and aesthetic features of each switch. Both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is ideal for RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart, with the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the housing materials of a switch play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch with 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams, while the Crystal Brown needs 55 grams, making the Crystal Brown a lighter option for typing. The New North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Crystal Brown offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches fall under the medium to medium-light category in terms of force, ensuring a balanced feel for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel with both switches. Whether you choose the Gateron New North Pole V2 or the Outemu Crystal Brown, you can enjoy a satisfying keypress with a travel distance of 4mm.
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 Crystal Brown 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 New North Pole V2 linear switch is often characterized as having a quiet and soft sound profile, providing a pleasant typing experience without being too clicky or loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for its subtle tactile bump and audible click, offering a more pronounced typing sound compared to the linear switch. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors including the keyboard case, keycap material, and typing technique.
When it comes to feel, the New North Pole V2 is often praised for its polished and creamy typing experience, delivering smooth and effortless key presses with minimal friction. Users appreciate the refined finish of the switch, which enhances the overall typing comfort and speed. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, while lacking specific known descriptors, is favored for its tactile bump and feedback, providing users with a satisfying typing sensation and improved keypress accuracy.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it's evident that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the New North Pole V2 excels in providing a smooth and quiet typing experience with its frictionless design, the Outemu Crystal Brown stands out for its tactile bump and audible click that enhance typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for typing sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it's important to consider your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a different tactile typing experience, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and how you want your keyboard to feel and sound.
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