Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Seashell, both of which are linear switches. The New North Pole V2 is praised for its crisper typing experience due to the removal of a rubber dampener, while still maintaining a frictionless typing feel that users love. On the other hand, the Seashell switch stands out with its stunning purple hue and offers a light and clacky typing experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable for long typing sessions. The Seashell switch is also favored for its aesthetic beauty and functionality. While the New North Pole V2 is known for its polished and creamy feel, the Seashell switch is described as clacky, feathery, and easy-to-press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Seashell both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that enhances resonance and clarity in the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion and a visually appealing aesthetic. On the other hand, the Seashell's nylon bottom housing offers a contrasting experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite both switches featuring polycarbonate in their top housings, the New North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Seashell differ in their bottom housing material. While the New North Pole V2 continues with polycarbonate for its bottom housing, offering consistent sound profiles throughout the switch, the Seashell opts for a nylon bottom housing. This choice of material impacts the typing experience, as the bottom housing has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The stiffer polycarbonate of the New North Pole V2 may result in a more pronounced and crisp typing experience, while the softer nylon of the Seashell could provide a smoother and quieter typing experience with a fuller sound.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches can significantly affect the sound and feel of typing. The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Seashell showcase how different materials, such as polycarbonate and nylon, can offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. While both switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their contrasting bottom housing materials demonstrate how a switch's overall typing experience can be influenced by the specific characteristics of each housing material. Whether aiming for a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts can choose between these options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The New North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Seashell's 45 grams. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Seashell's bottom out force is unknown. The actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in the typing experience, with lighter forces allowing for longer typing sessions and heavier forces providing a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Seashell has a shorter travel distance compared to the New North Pole V2. A 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for its faster response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more substantial and satisfying keystroke. Both switches offer a tactile experience, but the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
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 its smooth and seamless typing experience, making for a relatively quiet typing experience due to the lack of a rubber dampener. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the New North Pole V2 may be more suitable for you, while the Seashell switches offer a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, providing a smooth and refined finish that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the New North Pole V2 focusing on smoothness and fluidity, while the Seashell switches prioritize lightness and ease of use.
Overall, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience with a focus on smoothness and fluidity, the New North Pole V2 may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback and a lighter actuation force for reduced finger fatigue, the Seashell switches could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts, so you can expect similar levels of satisfaction regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider the key characteristics of each. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a frictionless typing feel with a crisper experience, the New North Pole V2 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a light and clacky switch with a stunning purple hue and easy-to-press actuation, the Seashell switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific preferences for typing feel, sound, and aesthetic appeal. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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