Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Red Panda. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch and is best known for its crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener. It still retains the hallmark feature of a frictionless typing feel, which users adore. On the other hand, the Red Panda is a tactile switch that offers a light-medium amount of tactility. Typing on these switches provides a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Both switches have their unique qualities and reasons why you might want to choose them. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Red Panda switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucent property of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound profile and visual aesthetics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ. The Gateron New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Outemu Red Panda uses nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Red Panda switches employ polycarbonate for their top housing, offering a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, the Gateron switch utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, while the Outemu switch utilizes nylon, resulting in a difference in sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Red Panda creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 contributes to the overall bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 50 grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces. The New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Red Panda has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams.
Considering weight preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions may favor the Red Panda switch due to its lighter bottom out force. This allows for a smoother and potentially more comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger and more substantial push feel may lean towards the New North Pole V2 switch, as its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a more robust typing experience.
In conclusion, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Red Panda offers a slightly lighter bottom out force compared to the New North Pole V2. This provides differences in typing experiences, making the Red Panda switch ideal for those seeking a lighter and smoother feel, while the New North Pole V2 caters to those who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional option. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is slightly shorter. This indicates that pressing down on a key with the Red Panda switch will result in a slightly shallower travel distance compared to the New North Pole V2 switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer shorter travel distances, such as the Red Panda switch. However, for those who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, the New North Pole V2 switch would be the better choice. Both switches offer distinct travel distances, allowing users to select based on their personal preferences.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 is known for retaining a frictionless typing feel while providing a crisper typing experience due to the removal of the rubber dampener. However, the specific sound characteristics of this switch are unknown based on the available information. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as producing a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. The Red Panda switch is classified as thocky, meaning it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The addition of lubricant, either from the factory or specific materials used, contributes to a silky sensation when typing on these switches. The frictionless nature of the switch ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience without any sense of resistance or friction. Conversely, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that the switch provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced tactile characteristics. The specific qualities of the Red Panda switch's feel are unknown based on the available information.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer distinctive subjective qualities. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its frictionless typing feel and crisp typing experience due to the removal of a rubber dampener. Its sound characteristics and specific feel descriptors are unknown. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch is known for its thocky sound, an intermediate level of tactility, and a mild typing experience. The characteristics of these switches provide a basis for differentiating between them, and individuals can choose the one that aligns with their sound and feel preferences. However, it's important to consider that factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a crisper typing experience and seamless glide, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be the better choice for you. It offers a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams and retains the frictionless typing feel that is characteristic of the North Pole lineup. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light-medium amount of tactility and a thocky sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be more suitable. It has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and produces a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. When it comes to sound, the New North Pole V2 is not specifically described, whereas the Red Panda is described as thocky, which can be interpreted as a deep and satisfying sound. In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 offers a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, while the Red Panda provides a mild and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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