Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Rice Pudding 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 Everglide Rice Pudding each offer unique advantages tailored to diverse user preferences. The New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its crisper typing experience, a result of the removal of the rubber dampener which allows for a frictionless feel that many users crave. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a polished and creamy sensation, making it a fantastic choice for those looking for smooth and responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is renowned for its harmonious blend of smooth operation and deep sound, providing a balanced typing experience that appeals to both gaming enthusiasts and typists alike. Its compatibility with innovative keyboards like Wooting's adds an extra layer of versatility for users seeking advanced performance. Both switches have their distinct characteristics, but for anyone navigating the choice between them, the decision will ultimately hinge on personal preferences regarding tactile feel and sound profile. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, it becomes clear that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material choice results in remarkably similar acoustic properties, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate—a stiffer plastic—enhances the switch's resonance, allowing for a more pronounced keypress sound. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate serves an aesthetic purpose, particularly for users looking to incorporate RGB lighting in their setups, as it allows the light to shine through effectively, creating visually appealing effects.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of these two switches diverge significantly. The New North Pole V2 employs a polycarbonate bottom, mirroring the top housing's characteristics and further reinforcing the crisper sound profile throughout the entire switch. This results in a consistent typing experience with a high-pitched acoustic feel. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its softer and more absorbent properties. This difference means that while the top housing of the Rice Pudding will still contribute to its overall sound profile, the nylon bottom will produce a deeper and fuller sound, providing a rounder auditory experience upon keypress.
Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of the bottom housings lead to different typing experiences despite the similarities in the top housings. For the New North Pole V2, the uniformity of polycarbonate throughout both the top and bottom allows for a cohesive sound profile that emphasizes a crisper effect. Conversely, the combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon at the bottom in the Rice Pudding creates a split acoustic experience where the top housing contributes to the sharper sound upon key release, while the bottom housing softens the overall acoustic impact. As a result, each switch appeals to different sound and feel preferences, regardless of their similar top housing material.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The New North Pole V2 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which categorizes it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Rice Pudding has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This significant variance in force means that the Rice Pudding switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the New North Pole V2 to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing experience and comfort, with the Rice Pudding being the lighter option and the New North Pole V2 providing a firmer response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the New North Pole V2 features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This signifies that the New North Pole V2 offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke, often preferred by those who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and enhanced efficiency during fast-paced actions. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for the feel of the keystroke: for a more substantial depth, the New North Pole V2 is the better option, while for quicker actuation, the Rice Pudding stands out as the superior choice.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, the New North Pole V2 delivers a relatively crisp auditory experience due to the absence of a rubber dampener, which means keystrokes result in a more immediate and pronounced sound. This can offer a satisfying feedback, ideal for those who enjoy an engaging typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switches are praised for their deep sound, balancing resonance and clarity, which together provide a rich auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. While both switches may differ in their sound characteristics, both offer enjoyable auditory experiences that will be affected by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless qualities, resulting in a typing experience that is incredibly smooth and effortless. The polished finish ensures that users can enjoy reduced friction throughout their keystrokes, while the creamy sensation adds an element of luxury and ease to typing. The frictionless nature of the switch enhances this smooth sensation even further, allowing for a fluid and enjoyable typing experience. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the Rice Pudding switches is insufficient to draw a direct comparison; thus, this quality remains uncertain for now.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches each provide distinct benefits that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The New North Pole V2 is characterized by its crisp sound and an extremely smooth, frictionless feel that promotes a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switches offer a deep sound profile and an appealing balance of smooth operation but lack detailed insights into their specific feel characteristics. Both switches promise to provide satisfying results, making either a worthy consideration for those looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you gravitate towards a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a polished, frictionless experience, the New North Pole V2 is an excellent choice. Its smooth glide and crisp feedback make it ideal for those who prefer a more dynamic typing feel without the dampened sensation of traditional switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation—thanks to Rice Pudding's 48-gram bottom-out force—and enjoy a satisfying auditory experience combined with smooth operation, the Rice Pudding may be the right fit for you. This switch is especially suited for enthusiasts who value versatility and compatibility with innovative keyboards. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the characteristics you value most in a switch, ensuring an enjoyable and tailored experience.
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