Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Type S are both standout choices to consider. The New North Pole V2 is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, providing a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener. On the other hand, the Type S, part of Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," offers a neutral and subdued typing experience with a weightier 65g bottom-out and a balanced sound signature. While the New North Pole V2 excels in providing a seamless glide and smoothness, the Type S caters to those who prefer a deeper acoustic experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Type S, we can see that both switches have distinct characteristics based on their top and bottom housing materials. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Type S has a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature. This difference in top housing material results in a noticeable variance in sound when typing on the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we find a similar pattern of differentiation between the two switches. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 contributes to its sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Type S delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Just like with the top housing, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch. This shows how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Type S, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the New North Pole V2 showcases a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate housing, the Type S provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon housing. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience with either switch, the choice of housing material in the top and bottom can ultimately lead to comparable results in terms of sound and feel, highlighting the importance of material selection in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Type S linear switch which has an actuation force of 55 grams, making the New North Pole V2 slightly easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams of force to fully press down, while the Gateron Type S requires a heavier 65 grams. This means that the Type S provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a good balance between actuation and bottom out force. Individuals who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the New North Pole V2, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the heavier Type S for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Type S linear switches have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that you will get consistent results in terms of key press feel and response when using either switch. Overall, whether you choose the New North Pole V2 or the Type S switch, you can expect a similar travel distance and typing experience.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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 to provide a unique and crisp typing experience without a rubber dampener, resulting in a more pronounced sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile due to its factory lubing techniques, providing a more muted and balanced acoustic experience. Both switches will offer a pleasant typing sound, but the New North Pole V2 may sound slightly more pronounced compared to the Type S.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, offering smooth key travel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch provides a unique take on traditional travel distances and molds, offering a weightier keystroke with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches offer a luxurious and effortless typing experience, with the New North Pole V2 providing a slightly more buttery feel compared to the Type S.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, each offers a distinct typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While the New North Pole V2 excels in providing a crisper and more pronounced typing sound with its frictionless feel, the Type S stands out with its weightier keystroke and balanced acoustic experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with both options offering a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and appreciate a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel, the New North Pole V2 might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke and a sound signature that leans towards a neutral yet deeper acoustic experience, the Type S could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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