Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches. The New North Pole V2 stands out for its polished and creamy typing experience, thanks to the removal of the rubber dampener that its predecessor had. Despite this change, Gateron has still managed to maintain the signature frictionless feel that the North Pole lineup is known for, ensuring smooth and seamless typing. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile that enhances the satisfaction of each keystroke. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches provide a bouncy feel while still maintaining a standard spring weight that caters to a wide range of users. While these general points offer a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, it's important to delve deeper to discover which one aligns best with your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are both made of polycarbonate. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both the New North Pole V2 and Tourmaline Blue switches will provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the distribution of housing materials, there may be some differences between the two switches. If the top and bottom housings are different, which is not specified in the given information, the features and characteristics of the housing materials will be split between the two. The bottom housing, being responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, will have a greater impact on the overall typing experience when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing will primarily affect the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, if the switches have contrasting top and bottom housings, there may be variations in the sound and feel depending on the particular design.
Regardless of any potential differences in housing materials, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer the benefits of using polycarbonate. This material enhances the sound profile, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding to the visual appeal of the switches. Whether the housing materials are the same or differ between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using these polycarbonate-based switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are several notable differences. The actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is lighter, requiring 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Tourmaline Blue is slightly heavier, needing 59 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams of force to fully press down, while the Tourmaline Blue is again slightly heavier, requiring 67 grams to bottom out. These differences indicate that the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out regardless of their choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the New North Pole V2 being lighter and the Tourmaline Blue being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key, as they both travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Regardless of whether you choose the New North Pole V2 or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect to feel a consistent 4 mm travel distance, ensuring a satisfying key press every time.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 does not have a specific descriptor provided, so its sound profile is unknown. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes and is enjoyable for both beginners and advanced users. It is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. The polished finish of the switch results in smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction for a sleek typing feel. Additionally, the creamy sensation makes typing on these switches feel like effortlessly gliding across the keys. The frictionless characteristic further enhances the typing experience by providing a fluid and effortless travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. This means that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with gentle resistance requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild characteristics of the switch also make it approachable and suitable for most users, providing a gentle typing experience.
Based on the available information, it is clear that both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The New North Pole V2s provide a frictionless typing feel and retain the smoothness that users love, while the Tourmaline Blues offer a deep and thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel with each keystroke. However, since the specific sound profile of the New North Pole V2 is unknown, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. In terms of feel, both switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, with the Gateron switch offering a polished and creamy sensation, and the Everglide switch being described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are good options to consider. The New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener while still maintaining a frictionless typing feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience with its lengthened single-stage spring and standard spring weight.
In terms of sound, the New North Pole V2 is described as neutral, suitable for most intents and purposes. The Tourmaline Blue, on the other hand, is described as having a moderate sound profile, making it enjoyable for a wide range of users.
When it comes to feel, the New North Pole V2 offers a choice between a polished, creamy, or frictionless typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue provides a buttery, easy-to-press, or mild typing experience, offering a seamless and low-impact feel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue will depend on your personal preferences and the specific characteristics you value in a keyboard switch. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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