Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Violet offer unique characteristics to consider. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, thanks to the removal of the rubber dampener for a crisper typing experience while still maintaining its smooth glide. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch with a smooth actuation and a pleasing poppy tactility, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, offering users a choice between a seamless glide with the New North Pole V2 or a gentle tactile bump with the Jerrzi Violet. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Violet feature polycarbonate top housings, which help create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for enhancing the acoustics of a switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine brightly through the top housing, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
However, where these two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, continuing the trend of sharper and crisper sound profiles throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, providing a different auditory experience for users.
In terms of functionality, the choice of housing materials in both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Violet impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the combination of different housing materials can result in unique acoustic experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is evident that the New North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Violet's 45 grams, making the Violet the lighter of the two. However, the bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 at 62.5 grams is higher than the Violet's force, which is unknown. This means that the New North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may opt for the Violet switch, which allows for more extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the New North Pole V2 being on the longer side and the Violet being slightly shorter. The decision between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference, with the New North Pole V2 providing a bit more depth in keypress and the Violet offering a slightly more responsive feel. So gamers may prefer the Violet for its faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper keypress may lean towards the New North Pole V2. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results but with slightly different travel distances to cater to individual preferences.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, allowing for a balanced typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is also characterized by a neutral sound signature, contributing to a pleasingly poppy tactility without being too loud or distracting. Both switches offer a moderate sound profile that should be enjoyable for most users, with the actual sound experience depending on additional factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is praised for its polished and creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and refined key travel that minimizes friction for effortless typing. Additionally, the switch offers a frictionless experience due to its design and materials. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is described as having a stepped feel, offering a mild tactility with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensation. While both switches prioritize smoothness in their typing feel, the Gateron switch focuses on a seamless glide, while the Jerrzi switch emphasizes a more nuanced tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Gateron switch provides a frictionless and creamy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Jerrzi switch offers a stepped tactile feedback with a neutral sound signature. Depending on whether you prioritize smoothness or a mild tactility in your typing experience, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your preference for switch weight and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams and a polished, creamy, or frictionless typing experience, the New North Pole V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy switches with no bottom out force and a stepped tactility that offers a smooth actuation and a pleasing poppy feel, the Jerrzi Violet could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to determine what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision.
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