Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The North Pole V2 is a linear switch known for its delightful gummy feel and deep, muted sound profile. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream provides a heftier typing experience with a fairly deep sound profile, offering a buttery and low-pitched feel. Both switches fall under the linear category, providing a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron North Pole V2 and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their housing materials. The North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While both materials provide distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 offers a more vibrant and pronounced auditory experience, while the POM housing of the NovelKeys Cream provides a mellower and more subdued sound.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the North Pole V2 and the NovelKeys Cream also utilize different materials. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As with the top housing, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Cream produces a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. The material of the bottom housing can greatly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of a key. Therefore, the North Pole V2 may provide a more pronounced and crisp bottom-out experience, while the NovelKeys Cream may offer a softer and more mellow sensation.

In summary, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream showcase differences in their housing materials. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the North Pole V2 create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the POM housings of the NovelKeys Cream result in a deeper and relatively more muted sound. The top housing materials have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing materials affect the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, depending on one's preference for sound characteristics, one may prefer the vibrant and pronounced auditory experience of the North Pole V2 or the mellower and pleasing sound of the NovelKeys Cream.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the North Pole V2 requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the NovelKeys Cream requires 55 grams. While the NovelKeys Cream is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, both switches fall into the medium-heavy range.

Moving on to bottom out force, the North Pole V2 requires 65 grams of force to fully press down, while the NovelKeys Cream requires 70 grams. Again, the NovelKeys Cream is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.

Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience would lean towards the Gateron North Pole V2, as it has a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for office or gaming purposes.

On the other hand, those who appreciate a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might find the Kailh NovelKeys Cream more suitable, given its slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force.

It is worth noting that since the differences in actuation force and bottom out force between these switches are relatively small, the overall typing experience may be similar. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preferences and the specific typing experience desired.

Travel distance

The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a similar level of tactile feedback and responsiveness due to their matching travel distances. Whether you choose the Gateron North Pole V2 or the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, you can expect to have a satisfying typing experience with a consistent travel distance of 4 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profiles of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches differ in their characteristics. The North Pole V2 provides a deep and muted sound, creating a more subdued and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream has a fairly deep sound profile that is low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It also has a resonant quality, producing a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy and chewy. Typing on these switches gives a unique experience akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. They offer a satisfying bounce and elasticity, providing a spring-like feedback sensation. Additionally, the North Pole V2 switches provide a polished feel, with smooth and refined key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.

On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is characterized as buttery and invigorating. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They have a texture-free typing experience, ensuring a friction-free operation. Additionally, the NovelKeys Cream switches offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation.

In summary, while both the Gateron North Pole V2 and Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switches offer subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they have noticeable differences. The North Pole V2 is best known for its gummy typing feel and deep, muted sound profile. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream provides a smooth and buttery typing experience with a deep, low-pitched sound profile and resonant notes. However, it is important to remember that the ultimate typing experience will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a delightful and unique typing experience, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch would be a great choice. With its gummy feel and deep, muted sound profile, you will enjoy a satisfying typing experience reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be more suitable. Its creamy feel with a smooth and buttery typing sensation, combined with a deep, low-pitched sound profile, offers a seamless and uniform typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches depends on whether you prefer a chewy and muted typing feel or a smooth and buttery sensation, as well as the sound profile you find most enjoyable.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more