Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Weightlessness each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The New North Pole V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its polished, creamy feel and frictionless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes—perfect for fast typists or gamers seeking a clean and efficient response. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness presents a tactile switch experience, featuring a subtle to moderate tactile bump that adds an engaging layer of feedback with each keypress. This switch's balanced sound profile enhances its tactile characteristics, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced sensation while typing, which can improve typing accuracy and satisfaction. While both switches have their distinctive appeals—smoothness versus tactile feedback—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine which switch is the best fit for your personal typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Weightlessness, it is evident that they employ distinctly different plastics, which significantly influence their auditory characteristics. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant acoustic experience. This quality makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting arrangements, as its translucency showcases lighting effects beautifully. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches utilize a nylon top and bottom housing, which is considered a classic due to its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory signature overall.
While both switches have unique sound profiles influenced by their respective housing materials, the differences in their construction lead to varied overall typing experiences. For the New North Pole V2, both the top and bottom housings are polycarbonate, contributing to the cohesive sharpness of sound throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Weightlessness switch's use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that the sound will inherently lean towards a more subdued quality, affecting how it feels and sounds when typing. Users may find the Gateron Weightlessness provides a more muffled or softer feedback, appealing to those who prefer a smoother, less pronounced typing feel compared to the crisp response of the New North Pole V2.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch plays a crucial role in defining their individuality in sound and feedback. However, if one seeks to achieve similar results across both switch types, one must consider other factors such as switch design, stem material, and personal typing style. The contrasting profiles of the New North Pole V2 and the Weightlessness illustrate how varied plastic options in keyboard switches fundamentally shape the tactile and auditory experiences for users, leading to a rich diversity in keyboard customization.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. This means that users will experience a similar level of pressure required to register a key press, suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the New North Pole V2 has a defined bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a heavier resistance when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, leaving it unclear how it compares in terms of force feedback at the end of the keystroke. As a result, the New North Pole V2 is the heavier option, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch remains a mystery in this aspect, but the equal actuation force suggests that both could offer similar trigger responsiveness for typists and gamers alike.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance impacts the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The New North Pole V2, with its 4 mm travel, offers a more traditional keypress experience, appealing to users who prefer a greater depth and feedback when typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness, with its 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker actuation, making it particularly appealing for gamers seeking faster response times. Thus, while both switches have their merits, the Gateron New North Pole V2 provides a deeper press, while the Gateron Weightlessness is designed for quickness and responsiveness.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 relatively subdued, producing a softer, quieter sound profile in comparison to some other linear switches. This allows for a more discreet typing experience, which can be favorable in shared environments or during late-night sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics. This means that while it does produce a noticeable sound upon actuation, it's not excessively loud, making it suitable for both gaming and professional settings where a pleasant acoustic experience is desired.
In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 shines with its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Users can expect minimal resistance and smooth key travel, which enhances overall comfort and reduces fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. This fluidity makes it feel effortless to type quickly and accurately. In contrast, the Weightlessness tactile switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, which provides satisfying feedback during keypresses without overwhelming the user. The combination of tactile response and balanced feel makes it appealing for those who appreciate a bit of feedback but don’t want it to interfere with their fluid typing style.
In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to varying preferences. The New North Pole V2 is ideal for individuals seeking a smooth, frictionless experience with a quieter sound, making it a great choice for those who prioritize typing comfort. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness provides a tactile experience with a balanced sound profile suitable for a range of activities. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether one prefers a linear switch’s quietness and fluidity or a tactile switch’s feedback along with a balanced acoustic profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the New North Pole V2 might be the ideal option for you. Its medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams offers a balanced feel, making it suitable for long typing sessions where you want minimal resistance and maximum fluidity. This switch is also advantageous for gamers who require rapid key presses without any tactile interruption, as it delivers a polished and creamy experience with a crisp sound profile that enhances the overall feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile interaction with your keyboard and enjoy feeling a slight bump during your keystrokes, the Weightlessness switch could be your go-to choice. Although its bottom out force is unknown, users generally appreciate the subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which can make typing feel more engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, the balanced sound profile of the Weightlessness caters well to those who appreciate the nuanced auditory experience of typing rather than the pure smoothness of a linear switch. Therefore, assess your priorities—be it the silky smoothness and speed of the New North Pole V2 or the responsive tactile feel of the Weightlessness—before making your decision.
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