Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its lack of a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing feel while still maintaining a frictionless glide that users love. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea, with its tactile feedback, provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke. Those seeking a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience may be drawn to the New North Pole V2, while the Milk Tea switch offers a different tactile sensation. 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
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-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 Milk Tea, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The New North Pole V2's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, amplifying the typing experience with its resonant clacks. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides a bright sound signature that adds a different dimension to the typing experience. While both materials offer clarity in sound, the polycarbonate top housing delivers a higher-pitched sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a slightly deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the contrast between the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 and the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Tea becomes more apparent. The polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper sound profile, creating a more clear and resonant typing experience. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Tea elicits a deeper and fuller sound, with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. Both materials bring their own unique qualities to the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel in different ways.
In terms of overall functionality, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While the New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing for a consistent sound experience, the Outemu Milk Tea combines Ly and nylon in its housing components, offering a blend of brighter and deeper tones. Ultimately, the decision between the two hinges on personal preference, with the New North Pole V2 providing a sharper and crisper sound, while the Milk Tea offers a mix of resonant clacks and fuller tones for a unique typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch with 45 grams, making the Milk Tea the lighter of the two. Both switches, unfortunately, do not have the information available for the bottom out force. In terms of actuation force, the New North Pole V2 provides a more medium feel, while the Milk Tea offers a lighter touch. Some users may prefer the New North Pole V2 for a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force, while others may opt for the lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea for more extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance in terms of key travel. As a result, the tactile feedback and actuation point will be consistent between the two switches. While the travel distances are equal, the type of switch (linear vs. tactile) will still provide different typing experiences despite the identical key travel.
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 Milk Tea 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 producing a soft and muted sound with each keystroke, providing a quieter typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offers a slightly more audible sound with a subtle tactile bump, giving users a satisfying feedback while typing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is praised for its polished and frictionless feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. Users can expect reduced friction and effortless key travel with these switches, making typing sessions long and comfortable. In contrast, the tactile Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks specific descriptors for its feel, indicating that more information may be needed to fully understand its tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience with its frictionless feel, making it a popular choice among users who prioritize comfort and precision. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offers a unique tactile bump with a slightly more audible sound, catering to those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, both switches have their own strengths and qualities that can enhance the typing experience, ultimately providing users with a range of options to choose from in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force, a crisp typing experience with a frictionless feel, and a polished, creamy, or frictionless tactile sensation, then the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unavailable bottom out force, no rubber dampener, and a different type of tactile feel, then the Outemu Milk Tea switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and priorities.
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