Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches offering smooth keystrokes, ideal for quick and precise typing. The New North Pole V2 stands out for its removal of the rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience while still maintaining a frictionless typing feel that users appreciate. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver does not have a standout feature, but it still provides a linear and responsive typing experience. The New North Pole V2 is categorized as 'Polished', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless', while the Silver lacks specific categories. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and Outemu Silver switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch features a polycarbonate top housing as well, leading to a similar sound profile as the New North Pole V2. Both switches offer a distinctive sound experience that is crisp and sharp.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which provides a similar sharp and clear sound profile as the top housing. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing.
Overall, while both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Outemu Silver switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The New North Pole V2 offers a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout, while the Outemu Silver provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel when typing. However, both switches excel in providing a unique and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, the actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is 50 grams, while the Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Silver slightly lighter in terms of triggering a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 is 62.5 grams, whereas the Silver has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, making the Silver heavier when pressing all the way down. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, with the New North Pole V2 leaning more towards the medium side and the Silver towards the medium-heavy side. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silver for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor the heavier bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer different weight options to cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. So, whether you choose the Gateron New North Pole V2 or the Outemu Silver, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent experience with a 4 mm travel distance, ensuring a smooth and satisfying keystroke every time.
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 Silver 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 known for providing a smooth and relatively quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared spaces where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch is also known for its quiet operation, perfect for those who prefer a more discrete typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience, thanks to a refined finish and potential factory lubrication. This results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, providing a sleek and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Outemu Silver linear switches offer a smooth and quiet typing experience, making them suitable for various typing environments. While the New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its frictionless typing feel and lack of rubber dampener, the Outemu Silver's specific qualities are less known. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with both switches likely to provide similar results in terms of sound and potentially feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the bottom out force and your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a frictionless typing feel with a crisp touch, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Outemu Silver might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and bottom out force when selecting between these two switches.
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