Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Spring Breeze mechanical keyboard switches, two distinct characteristics stand out. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that offers a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Unlike its predecessor, the V2s no longer feature a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper feedback while maintaining the hallmark frictionless typing feel. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch without any standout features. While the V2 provides a smooth and seamless glide, the Spring Breeze lacks a defining feature. If you prioritize a linear switch with a polished typing experience, the New North Pole V2 might be the way to go. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Spring Breeze uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While the top housings of the New North Pole V2 and the Spring Breeze switches differ in material, their bottom housings follow a similar pattern. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. However, when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the qualities of the top housing will have more of an influence. Overall, the combination of different housing materials in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience for users.
In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2's housing allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the classic nylon housing of the Spring Breeze may not offer the same level of visual flair but makes up for it with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound quality, typing experience, and visual aesthetics. Whether it's the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 or the fuller sound of nylon in the Spring Breeze, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we can see some differences in weight. The New North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Spring Breeze's 40 grams, making the New North Pole V2 better suited for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Spring Breeze takes the lead with a lighter 55 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 62.5 grams. This makes the Spring Breeze a better option for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Overall, while both switches fall into the medium force category, the slight variations in weight can cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key. Thus, users can expect consistent results whether they are using the New North Pole V2 or the Spring Breeze in terms of 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 Spring Breeze 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is designed to produce a crisp and satisfying click sound with each keystroke, catering to users who enjoy a more audible typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and refined key travel that minimizes friction and enhances typing accuracy. The absence of a rubber dampener in the V2 model allows for a more direct and responsive keystroke, while still maintaining the trademark frictionless feel of the North Pole lineup. Meanwhile, information on the specific feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare the tactile experience it offers.
Overall, users looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience may prefer the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, known for its polished and frictionless feel. On the other hand, those who enjoy a clicky switch with a more audible feedback may find the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch to be a suitable choice. Keep in mind that the ultimate typing experience will also be influenced by personal preferences, typing style, and the overall keyboard setup. Experimenting with different switches and configurations can help you determine the best option for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch or the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should consider your bottom out force preference and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams and a smooth typing experience with a frictionless feel, then the New North Pole V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy a more tactile and clicky typing experience, then the Spring Breeze switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound you desire from your mechanical keyboard switch.
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