Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Everglide Oreo

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Everglide Oreo offer different experiences for users. The North Pole V2 is a linear switch that can be best described as gummy. Typing on these switches provides a deep and muted sound, along with a satisfying chewy typing feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a delectable treat for your fingertips. With a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, these switches strike the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. While the North Pole V2 is categorized as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished, the Oreo is known for being accented, chirpy, and stepped. These general descriptions can help guide your decision, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron North Pole V2 and the Everglide Oreo both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows for the diffusion of vibrant colors.

While both switches share the same housing materials, they may still exhibit some differences in terms of performance and aesthetics. One potential area of distinction lies in the design of their housings. The North Pole V2 and the Oreo may have varying shapes or textures in their top and bottom housings, leading to subtle variations in how they sound and feel. Additionally, the manufacturing process and quality control of each switch may impact the overall consistency and durability of the polycarbonate housings, ultimately affecting user satisfaction.

When it comes to the experience of typing or gaming with these switches, the bottom housing's qualities will have a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel. The bottom housing is responsible for absorbing the impact when a key is fully pressed down, resulting in a distinct tactile sensation. On the other hand, the top housing's influence is more noticeable when releasing a key, contributing to the sound profile as the key returns to its resting position. These slight variations in sound and feel between the top and bottom housings can add depth and nuance to the typing or gaming experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Everglide Oreo share the same polycarbonate housing materials, which contribute to a sharper, crisper sound profile and are ideal for RGB lighting. While the housings may have different designs and manufacturing processes, their impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches is split between the top and bottom housings. Understanding these distinctions allows users to make informed choices based on their specific preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we can observe some notable differences. Firstly, the North Pole V2 requires a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Oreo's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the North Pole V2 will activate a keystroke with a slightly stronger push. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Oreo requires a lighter force of 55 grams, whereas the North Pole V2 requires a heavier force of 65 grams. This makes the Oreo more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. In terms of weight, the North Pole V2 can be considered on the medium-heavy side, while the Oreo falls into the medium-light category. Therefore, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the North Pole V2, while individuals who desire a lighter switch may find the Oreo more suitable. Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces offer users the ability to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience depending on their personal preferences.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch produces a deep and muted sound profile. It can be described as subdued, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a unique chirpy sound with a little squeak to them, setting it apart from other switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Turning to the feel of the switches, the North Pole V2 is known for its gummy typing experience. When bottoming out, it provides a sensation similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the North Pole V2 has a creamy feel due to possible lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used, resulting in a smooth and buttery typing experience. The switch also offers a bouncy feedback sensation, giving a spring-like or elastic feel to the keys. It can be described as polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is categorized as accented, offering a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch can also feel stepped, having two stages of tactile feedback with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.

Overall, if you prefer a linear switch with a deep and muted sound profile, along with a gummy and creamy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique chirpy sound and a medium amount of tactility, the Everglide Oreo switch would be a great option. Keep in mind that the final experience also depends on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep and muted sound profile, along with a satisfying chewy typing feel, then the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light switch with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out, then the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a more subdued sound, the North Pole V2 would be a better fit, while the Oreo offers a unique chirpy sound signature. In terms of feel, the North Pole V2 provides a gummy and bouncy typing experience, while the Oreo offers an accented and stepped tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal preference for force, sound, and feel. Consider what typing experience you desire and select the switch that aligns with your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Oreo Tactile

$6.86

$4.19 per 10

Learn more