Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its polished and creamy feel, providing a frictionless typing experience that many users appreciate. By eliminating the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, Gateron has delivered a crisper keystroke, all while maintaining the smooth glide that defines the North Pole lineage. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems, which contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile, making it an attractive choice for those who favor auditory feedback along with tactile feedback. While both switches cater to users who enjoy linear typing, their distinct characteristics — the New North Pole V2's emphasis on a seamless touch versus the Tomcat's rich sound profile — make them suitable for different types of typists. 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 (Heavy) Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches, a spotlight on their housing materials reveals both similarities and differences that shape their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. Both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which imparts a higher-pitched and crisper sound, thanks to the material's stiffness. This characteristic resonance is particularly enhanced when paired with RGB lighting, as polycarbonate’s translucency allows for light to shine through, elevating the aesthetic appeal in illuminated setups. Thus, users looking for a vibrant and sharp auditory experience will find the top housings of both switches to share comparable qualities in terms of sound clarity and aesthetic utility.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the switches exhibit a distinct material divergence, impacting the overall sound profile. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate, much like its top housing, which contributes to the crisp sound signature while also enhancing the switch's springy feel and smoother action. The rigidity of polycarbonate means that the bottom-out sound remains poignant and clear. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) adopts nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its softer characteristics, which leads to a lower and rounder auditory result. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, thereby producing a more subdued bottom-out experience compared to the sharper sound of the New North Pole V2.

As a result, while both switches maintain a bright sound quality from their polycarbonate top housings, their distinct bottom materials lead to different acoustic profiles. The Gateron New North Pole V2 offers a consistent sharpness from top to bottom, ideal for those who prefer a more cohesive sound. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), with its nylon bottom, provides a combination of the clear upper tones and a fuller, more rounded sound from below. Therefore, users may elect to choose based on their preference for sound characteristics: the New North Pole V2 for an unbroken crispness, or the Tomcat (Heavy) for a more textural depth in their experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The New North Pole V2 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods, whether in the office or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 64 grams, which provides a firmer feel that some users may appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the New North Pole V2 can be considered the lighter switch, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier option. These differences imply that users seeking a softer touch and reduced fatigue may gravitate towards the New North Pole V2, whereas those desiring a more robust feedback should consider the Tomcat (Heavy).

Travel distance

The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the New North Pole V2 featuring a travel distance of 4 mm and the Tomcat (Heavy) having a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed, the New North Pole V2 travels further before registering a key press, which may provide a more substantial and hearty feel for those who prefer a deeper key travel. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers or users looking for quicker responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on one’s preference: for a more traditional and pronounced feel, the 4 mm travel distance of the New North Pole V2 would be ideal, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Tomcat (Heavy) delivers a faster and more immediate tactile response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is noted for its crisp typing experience, attributed to the absence of a rubber dampener that removes any potential muffling typically found in other switches. This results in a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a notable click without the harshness of a tactile bump. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features a resonant sound profile that could add an inviting depth to the typing experience. This resonance is a key aspect of its characteristic, potentially delivering a rich aural sensation as you type. However, keep in mind that the overall sound also hinges on the type of board and keycaps used, which can influence the final auditory result when using either switch.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 excels with descriptors such as polished, creamy, and frictionless. Its smooth and refined finish provides a sleek typing experience, while the creamy sensation offers a buttery touch that makes each key press feel effortless. Users will appreciate the fluid travel without any sense of resistance, allowing for quick and seamless typing. On the other hand, the specifics of the feel for the Tomcat (Heavy) switch are not provided, leaving an uncertainty regarding its comparative smoothness or overall tactile sensation. If it embodies characteristics similar to other linear switches, it may still yield a satisfying typing feel, but the exact nuances remain unknown.

In summary, both switches present unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its crisp sound and exceptionally smooth, frictionless feel, making it ideal for users seeking a refined typing experience. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) provides a resonant auditory experience that could be enjoyable but lacks detail on the tactile sensation. Ultimately, while you may find similarities in terms of their linear characteristics, the nuances in sound and feel are likely to guide your choice based on personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when considering your mechanical keyboard switch options, choosing between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) can hinge on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and the force required for actuation. If you favor a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the New North Pole V2 is an excellent choice, as its polished and creamy texture leads to a gliding sensation that can enhance your typing comfort. With its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, this switch is ideal for users seeking a balance that provides just enough resistance without overwhelming effort, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and prefer a heavier actuation, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) might be your go-to option. Its slightly higher bottom-out force of 64 grams ensures that each keystroke feels deliberate and substantial, while the unique sound profile gives your typing a resonant quality that can be satisfying. Overall, consider how each switch complements your typing style and preferences—whether you want the effortless glide of the New North Pole V2 or the firmer, more resonant feel of the Tomcat (Heavy)—to make the best choice for your new mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more