Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade 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 Silent Yellow Jade offer unique typing experiences. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that provides a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing feel. Unlike its predecessor, these switches no longer have a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience while maintaining the seamless glide and smoothness users love. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that offers a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound. These factory-lubed switches feature a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. 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
65g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct differences. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced during typing. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder overall sound. Therefore, users can expect a more vibrant and sharp sound from the New North Pole V2, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a deeper and more mellow typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches continue to be evident. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 complements its top housing, creating a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the overall typing experience, providing a clear and resonant sound upon keypress. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, echoing the characteristics of its top housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more subdued and rounder typing sound compared to the New North Pole V2.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, users can expect similar results depending on their preferences. Both switches offer unique sound profiles influenced by their respective housing materials. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound with nylon, both switches deliver exceptional typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the New North Pole V2 and the Silent Yellow Jade comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 is lighter at 62.5 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 65 grams, making the latter slightly heavier for a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the New North Pole V2 would be the better choice. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more tactile typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade would be more suitable. In either case, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their medium actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the New North Pole V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a significant impact on the typing or gaming experience. The New North Pole V2's longer travel distance provides a deeper key press feeling, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's shorter travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers or individuals who prioritize speed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference - whether you prefer a more responsive and shallow key press or a deeper and more pronounced one.
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 Silent Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provides a smooth and quiet typing experience, with a focus on a seamless glide and minimal noise during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a unique "thocky" sound, adding an audible tactile bump to the typing experience. Both switches provide distinctive sound profiles, catering to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is known for its polished and frictionless typing experience, resulting in a sleek and effortless key travel. The removal of the rubber dampener contributes to a crisper feel, while maintaining the smoothness that Gateron switches are renowned for. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a creamy and punchy tactile bump, providing a satisfying sensation with each keystroke. The factory-lubed switches enhance the overall feel, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable typing experience.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. While the New North Pole V2 provides a smooth and quiet typing experience with a focus on seamless glide and polished feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile "thocky" sound and creamy feel. Depending on whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, both options provide unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 with 62.5 grams may be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a polished and frictionless typing feel, the New North Pole V2 might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most in your mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
