Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Ragdoll 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 Bsun Ragdoll present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The New North Pole V2 distinguishes itself with its crisper typing feedback, achieved by eliminating the rubber dampener found in its predecessor while retaining the signature frictionless glide that users adore. This switch is celebrated for its polished and creamy feel, making it an excellent choice for those who value smooth and seamless typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll offers a unique auditory experience with its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, delivering a noticeably clackier sound profile that can enhance tactile feedback, especially for users who enjoy auditory cues during typing. Both switches cater to different preferences – whether you prioritize a refined and silky typing experience or seek a more textured and auditory engagement. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Ragdoll, the differences in sound profile and overall characteristics become clear. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material inherently produces a sharper, clearer, and crisper sound profile, making it well-suited for builds where RGB lighting is a priority. The polycarbonate's rigidity aids in resonance, contributing to a sound that many enthusiasts find appealing for a more engaging typing experience.
In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a classic choice in the mechanical keyboard community. Nylon's softer and more absorbent nature results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This design leads to a typing feel and acoustics that are notably different from those of the New North Pole V2. The nylon's ability to absorb sound reduces high-frequency resonances, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches cater to different auditory preferences, the nylon of the Ragdoll emphasizes warmth and depth over the crispness and clarity provided by the polycarbonate of the Gateron switch.
Despite the contrasting materials, a commonality arises in the impact each housing has on the overall performance of their respective switches. For both the New North Pole V2 and the Ragdoll, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Consequently, users can expect a distinct typing experience depending on which switch they choose, leading to varied results in terms of both acoustic character and tactile feedback. In essence, those who appreciate a strict separation of sound profiles will find the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Ragdoll indicative of the broader preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, distinct differences in their weight can be observed. The New North Pole V2 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, deeming it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Ragdoll offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that the Ragdoll is the lighter of the two, making it more suitable for those who prefer ease of use during extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the New North Pole V2, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal more to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, the choice between them largely depends on individual preferences for lightness or weight in actuation pressure.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we find that the New North Pole V2 features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the New North Pole V2 the longer option, providing a more pronounced feel when pressing the keys down. For those who enjoy the sensation of deeper key presses, the New North Pole V2 could be the preferable choice. On the other hand, the Ragdoll's shorter travel distance may cater better to gamers or users who favor quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation. If both switches were to share the same travel distance, users could expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness; however, with the current specifications, the differences could lead to varied user experiences based on individual preferences for depth and actuation speed.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 offers a relatively subdued acoustic profile due to the absence of a rubber dampener, which allows for a crisper typing experience without overly pronounced noise. This switch tends to produce a softer sound signature ideal for quieter environments. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is crafted with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to a more clacky sound, which may appeal to users who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback while typing. However, it's important to note that the sonic characteristics of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, which might further modify their acoustic signatures.
When examining the feel of these switches, the New North Pole V2 impresses with its polished, creamy, and frictionless sensations. The polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, while the creamy texture makes for what feels like a buttery keystroke devoid of resistance. This frictionless quality adds to the overall fluidity of the key travel, making it exceptionally pleasant to type on. On the other hand, the specific feel of the Bsun Ragdoll switch is not detailed in the provided information, leaving some uncertainty about how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Taking all of this into consideration, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch cater to different preferences within the linear switch realm. While the former is celebrated for providing a smooth, quiet, and virtually effortless typing experience, the latter stands out with its unique clacky sound profile, likely offering a more pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, depending on whether you prioritize sound or the seamless feel of a switch, either option could yield a satisfying typing experience, but the New North Pole V2 is particularly recommended for those who prefer a refined and frictionless touch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you appreciate a medium weight with a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, which provides a balanced tactile feedback, the New North Pole V2 is the ideal choice. It's designed for those who enjoy a polished and creamy feel, lending to a frictionless typing experience that promotes speed and precision—perfect for both gaming and long typing sessions. However, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Ragdoll's 52 grams bottom-out force offers an easier keystroke, making it suitable for those who favor a softer typing experience. The Ragdoll’s unique Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass construction deliver a distinct clackiness, which can add a lively auditory element to your typing, making it a great choice if sound is a priority for you. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a polished, refined typing feel with a bit more resistance or a lighter, more acoustic experience.
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