Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Purple offer very distinct typing experiences. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that stands out for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. Unlike its predecessor, it no longer features a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience while still maintaining its hallmark smoothness. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that doesn't have a standout feature like the North Pole V2's frictionless feel. However, some users may prefer the tactile feedback and distinct bump that the Purple switch provides. When considering these switches, it's important to weigh the characteristics of each to determine which will best suit your typing preferences. 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
50g
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
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
Both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Purple switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, leading to a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with clear housings that are designed for RGB lighting. This material choice ensures that the sound produced by both switches is distinct and well-defined, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Purple switches differ significantly. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues the trend of producing a sharp and clear sound profile. In contrast, the Purple switch opts for a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2. This distinction gives each switch a unique typing feel and sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Purple switches plays a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles and typing experiences. While they both use polycarbonate in the top housing for similar sound qualities, the difference in bottom housing material – polycarbonate for the New North Pole V2 and nylon for the Purple – provides distinct tactile feedback and sound characteristics. Whether users prefer a sharp and resonant typing experience or a deeper and fuller sound profile, these housing material choices cater to different preferences and enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a slightly firmer typing experience compared to the Outemu Purple, for which the bottom out force is unknown. The New North Pole V2 would be considered on the lighter side in terms of force, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple's force is unknown, making it difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. While the New North Pole V2 offers a smooth linear typing experience, the Purple features a tactile bump for feedback while typing. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances, allowing users to get similar results in terms of key press depth. Whether you prefer the linear feel of the Gateron switch or the tactile feedback of the Outemu switch, both options offer a satisfying typing experience with their 4 mm travel distance.
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 Purple 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 typically described as having a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is often noted for its tactile bump that provides a satisfying click sound when pressed, appealing to users who enjoy a more audible typing feedback.
Moving on to feel, the New North Pole V2 linear switch is often described as offering a polished and creamy typing experience due to its smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's tactile bump offers a different feel, enhancing the typing experience with a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the linear switch options.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, the New North Pole V2 may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a more audible and tactile typing feedback, the Outemu Purple switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance, and choosing between them will depend on your individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is important to consider your preferences and typing style. If you value a medium bottom out force and a frictionless typing feel with a polished and creamy typing experience, the New North Pole V2 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with an undefined bottom out force and a different tactile feel, the Purple switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
