Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Gateron Quinn

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Quinn. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that is best known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Unlike its predecessor, this switch no longer has a rubber dampener, but it still retains its hallmark feature of a seamless glide and smoothness. On the other hand, the Quinn is a tactile switch that stands out for its unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke produces a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. Users can expect a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Gateron Quinn has a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Quinn elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, thereby creating a duller and rounder sound. So, while both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 produces a sharper sound compared to the Quinn's nylon top housing.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate material, while the Quinn features a nylon bottom housing. Similar to their top housings, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the New North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Quinn leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of the New North Pole V2 will have a sharper quality, while the Quinn's nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound.

In summary, while the New North Pole V2 and the Quinn offer different sound profiles due to their housing materials, they both deliver unique characteristics. The polycarbonate housing of the New North Pole V2 creates a sharper and crisper sound, both in the top and bottom of the switch. Conversely, the nylon housing in the Quinn produces a deeper and fuller sound. If you are someone who values a clear and resonant sound, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and rounder sound, the Quinn's nylon housing would be more suitable. Regardless of your preference, both switches offer distinct sound experiences that can enhance your typing or gaming experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The New North Pole V2 has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Quinn requires a slightly higher force of 59 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the New North Pole V2 switch is more sensitive and requires less pressure to register a key press. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the New North Pole V2 has a force of 62.5 grams, while the Quinn has a force of 67 grams. This suggests that the Quinn switch provides a slightly more substantial and firmer typing experience due to the higher bottom out force.

For those who prefer a lighter feel when typing for longer periods or engaging in extended gaming sessions, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice. The lower actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes and reduces fatigue over time. On the contrary, individuals who enjoy a stronger push and desire a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Quinn switch. The higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of resistance when typing.

Although the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches differ, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Quinn switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a comfortable typing experience for most users. Therefore, irrespective of the switch chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out forces, ensuring a reliable and consistent typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional length, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that pressing down on the New North Pole V2 switch will give you a slightly deeper feel compared to the Quinn switch. The 4.0mm travel distance is commonly preferred by those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience, while the 3.4mm travel distance of the Quinn switch caters to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the level of responsiveness desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its frictionless typing feel. Although there is no specific information provided about the sound profile of this switch, it can be expected to have a smooth and quiet operation. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as having a deep, resonant sound profile. This switch offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a rich, immersive sound. The specially designed nylon housings contribute to the Quinn switches' distinctive sound, adding character to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a smooth and quiet typing experience with the New North Pole V2 or a more resonant and characterful sound with the Quinn.

In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provides a frictionless and seamless glide while typing. The removal of the rubber dampener in this version enhances the crispness and typing experience. Although no specific descriptors are given, this switch can be expected to have a polished and smooth feel, ensuring reduced friction and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a range of tactile feedback options. Descriptors such as snappy, bouncy, and accented suggest a responsive and lively typing experience. Additionally, the terms polished, buttery, and creamy indicate a smooth and refined feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a frictionless typing experience with the New North Pole V2 or a tactile and responsive feel with the Quinn.

Taking into consideration all the available information, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provides a frictionless typing experience with a focus on smoothness and a seamless glide. This switch offers a quiet and polished feel, making it suitable for users who prioritize a clean and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a wide range of tactile feedback options along with a deep and resonant sound profile. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a more tactile and characterful typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences for sound and feel. Whether someone prefers a smooth and quiet experience or a tactile and lively one, they can achieve similar results with either switch, tailored to their own preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-weight linear switch with a crisper typing experience and a frictionless glide, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, it provides a balanced level of resistance and smoothness for typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch that offers a unique combination of light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a precise and clean tactile bump with a rich and immersive sound. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for linear versus tactile switches, as well as the specific sound and feel characteristics you desire in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more