Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Tomcat can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron New North Pole V2 sets itself apart by offering a crisper typing feel with its design that eliminates the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, allowing for a frictionless and polished glide that appeals to users who prioritize precision and smoothness. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat excels with its Ly stems, delivering a notably smooth typing experience complemented by a unique resonant sound profile that can enhance the auditory pleasure of typing. While both switches are linear and promise a smooth operation, the choice between them ultimately hinges on whether you prefer the sleek, frictionless feedback of the New North Pole V2 or the rich sound and smoothness of the Tomcat. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Tomcat present both similarities and distinctions that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and user experiences. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances sound resonance, providing clear auditory feedback that can be particularly satisfying for typists and gamers alike. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches deliver a bright sound when pressed, making them ideal choices for users looking for a pronounced audio response, especially in setups featuring RGB lighting, where the material's translucency enhances the aesthetics.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the New North Pole V2 and the Tomcat reveal a notable difference that alters their overall sound profiles. The New North Pole V2 employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, reinforcing the sharper sound signature established by its top housing. This combination creates a cohesive sound profile characterized by resonant highs complemented by a balanced midrange. Conversely, the Tomcat's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. The softness of nylon absorbs sound, which can lead to a duller, rounder tone compared to the New North Pole V2’s crisper response. Thus, the two switches cater to different auditory preferences based on the impact of their bottom housings.

Ultimately, the overall sound and feel of these switches will vary significantly due to their different bottom housing materials. With the New North Pole V2, users can expect a consistent, bright sound profile from both housing components that effectively blends the clarity of the top with a supportive bottom. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat's nylon bottom housing will introduce a richer, softer acoustic character that can soften the overall typing experience. For users seeking a clear sound with a pronounced bottom-out feel, the New North Pole V2 would be the more fitting choice. Meanwhile, those preferring a fuller tone with a more muted bottom-out response might gravitate toward the Tomcat. Ultimately, the differing materials define the typist's acoustic experience, allowing for tailored preferences based on individual sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The New North Pole V2 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Tomcat offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. This makes the Tomcat a lighter switch overall, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the New North Pole V2’s higher forces may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. While both switches provide a medium and medium-light typing feel respectively, their differing actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users will experience varying levels of feedback and resistance based on their preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the key difference lies in their respective travel lengths. The New North Pole V2 features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat's travel distance is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm, which caters to gamers and users who favor quicker responsiveness and a snappier feel. While both switches provide unique tactile experiences, the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat allows for faster actuation, which can be particularly beneficial during rapid gaming scenarios. Ultimately, opting for the Gateron New North Pole V2 would enrich the typing experience through its deeper feel, whereas the Bsun Tomcat is geared towards those who prioritize speed and quick response times.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches produce a clear and crisp typing noise, benefiting from the absence of a rubber dampener. This leads to a less muffled sound profile, giving users a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches exhibit a resonant sound profile, which likely means they have a unique resonance that adds a distinct character to each keystroke. The specific sound quality of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps, but expect the New North Pole V2 to provide a sharper acoustics compared to the fuller resonance of the Tomcat.

When it comes to feel, both switches cater to a smooth typing experience, but they do carry their unique nuances. The New North Pole V2 boasts a polished, creamy, and frictionless characteristic, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. This switch allows fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys, making it feel like a luxurious typing session. Meanwhile, the Tomcat switches, equipped with Ly stems, are also designed for a super smooth feel, but further details on their tactile characteristics remain unspecified. However, both switches promise a high level of smoothness, likely leading to a similarly enjoyable feel when typing.

In conclusion, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches both highlight smoothness in their design, they do so with distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The New North Pole V2 offers a crisper sound and a luxurious typing feel thanks to its polished and frictionless attributes, while the Tomcat provides a resonant sound profile, combining their smooth feel with a unique auditory character. Ultimately, both switches cater to those seeking a fluid typing experience, though the individual sound and tactile elements set them apart.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately boils down to your specific preferences in typing feel and force. If you are looking for a more pronounced typing experience with a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, the New North Pole V2 is an excellent option, especially with its frictionless and creamy feel that allows for a smooth glide across the keys. Its crispness, enhanced by the absence of a rubber dampener, ensures that every keystroke feels precise, making it a great choice for typists who appreciate a bit more feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 54 grams, then the Tomcat switch may suit you better. With its super smooth Ly stems, this switch provides a resonant sound profile along with a hassle-free typing experience. The Tomcat is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a softer keystroke without sacrificing too much response, making it a solid choice for gaming or long typing sessions. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the crispness of the New North Pole V2 or the light, smooth nature of the Tomcat, both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different typing styles.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more