Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience. Two notable options are the Gateron New North Pole V2, a linear switch, and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a hall effect switch. The New North Pole V2 stands out for its crisp typing experience, featuring a frictionless glide that enhances smoothness without the added rubber dampener found in its predecessor. Enthusiasts often appreciate its polished, creamy feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an uninterrupted and fluid keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) caters to those who crave a more tactile experience. With its neutral sound signature and distinctive “thock,” this switch combines super smooth keystrokes with a dustproof stem to minimize wobble and deliver a refined sensation that many typists cherish. Each switch brings unique qualities: the New North Pole V2 for those prioritizing a smooth, linear feel, and the Sticky Rice (V2) for those favoring a tactile and thocky response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) exhibit both similarities and differences that substantially influence the overall typing experience. Both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housings, a material renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clearer sound profile that resonates well when typed upon. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate not only makes the top housing aesthetically pleasing when RGB lighting is incorporated but also enhances the brightness and clarity of the light that shines through. Therefore, users can expect a similar uplift in sound quality and visual appeal when using either switch due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housing of each switch showcases a significant material difference that directly affects the qualities of the typing experience. The New North Pole V2 employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the sound properties established by its top housing. This continuity promotes a consistent sound profile, contributing to an overall sharper acoustic experience. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic choice known for its softer characteristics. Nylon tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the crisper output of polycarbonate. As a result, while the top housing of both switches draws similarities, the distinct bottom housing materials introduce variation that can be felt and heard during typing.
Understanding these differences is crucial for users aiming to achieve their desired sound and feel. With the New North Pole V2, the combination of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings delivers a consistently sharp sound across all keypress actions. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) benefits from a uniquely lower and rounder acoustical quality due to its nylon bottom housing, influencing both the bottom-out sound and tactile feel. Therefore, users who seek a more crisp and resonant typing experience may gravitate towards the New North Pole V2, while those preferring a fuller, warmer sound may find the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) to better suit their preferences. Recognizing these nuanced differences reinforces the importance of housing material selection in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch with the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The New North Pole V2 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, positioning it in the medium range. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter, requiring only 40 grams of force to actuate and reaching a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter design of the Sticky Rice (V2) makes it preferable for users who favor extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to press the keys. Conversely, the New North Pole V2's heavier actuation and bottom out forces cater to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel, providing a firmer typing experience. Thus, for users seeking a lighter switch, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is the clear choice, while those who prefer a bit more resistance should opt for the Gateron New North Pole V2.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the New North Pole V2 the longer option, providing a more traditional feel that some users may prefer for a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a shorter travel distance, which can enhance responsiveness—a desirable trait among gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. Users who appreciate a deeper travel experience might gravitate towards the Gateron switch, whereas those who favor agility and swift feedback may find the Everglide more suitable. Therefore, depending on one's typing or gaming preferences, either switch can yield different tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances.
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 Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch's characteristics are not explicitly described, making it difficult to pinpoint its precise acoustic profile. However, the absence of a rubber dampener suggests it may produce a slightly sharper, more resonant sound compared to its predecessor, which can enhance the overall typing experience by creating a crisper auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a neutral sound signature that leans towards the satisfying "thock" that many enthusiasts desire. This balance ensures that the typing sound is not overwhelming while still delivering a pleasant auditory feedback, aligning well with the preferences of users who appreciate a refined acoustic experience.
When considering the feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and frictionless typing experience, encapsulating a polished and creamy sensation that allows for fluid keystrokes with minimal effort. Users can expect an effortless glide across the keys, making this switch ideal for long typing sessions. In comparison, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) also emphasizes a super smooth keystroke with a focus on reducing wobble thanks to its dustproof stem. This results in a refined tactile sensation, providing enjoyable feedback without compromising the sensitive touch that typists often seek. The New North Pole V2 excels in delivering an ultra-smooth experience, while the Sticky Rice (V2) balances smoothness with stability, offering a slightly different but equally appealing tactile quality.
In summary, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, albeit with different focuses. The New North Pole V2 emphasizes a polished, frictionless typing experience that rewards users with a liquid-like feel, while the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a balanced approach with its notable sound signature and finely tuned tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to a desire for smoothness and satisfaction, with the final choice resting on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams that offers a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing feel, while still retaining the crisper action without a rubber dampener, then the New North Pole V2 is an excellent option. It's perfect for those who appreciate a fluid typing experience without any significant resistance. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams combined with a well-balanced typing experience that delivers the satisfying "thock" sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) makes for a fantastic choice. Its smooth keystroke and reduced wobble, thanks to the dustproof stem, are ideal for enthusiasts who seek a refined tactile sensation. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a more pronounced feel and resistance with the New North Pole V2 or a softer, more cushioned experience with the Sticky Rice (V2). Each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring that you can find a match that enhances your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
