Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The North Pole V2 is beloved for its gummy and creamy typing experience, providing a subdued and polished sound profile along with a bouncy typing feel. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch doesn't have a specific standout characteristic listed, leaving room for exploration. Generally, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a quiet and smooth typing experience, the North Pole V2 may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky switch that provides audible feedback with each keystroke, the Outemu Gold could be a suitable option. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron North Pole V2 and Outemu Gold both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through beautifully. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can be appealing to those seeking a quieter typing experience.
In terms of sound and feel, the differences in housing materials between the North Pole V2 and Outemu Gold become evident. While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound profile, the impact of the bottom housing material is felt during bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Gold leads to a deeper and fuller sound upon key press, creating a unique tactile experience compared to the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound compared to nylon.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron North Pole V2 and Outemu Gold will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate top and bottom housings may be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and fuller sound with a more muted tone, the Outemu Gold's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing could be more to your liking. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer quality construction and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, we can see some differences. The North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gold's 45 grams, making it a bit lighter. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the North Pole V2 requires 65 grams while the Gold requires 60 grams, making them fairly similar in that aspect. Users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Outemu Gold with its lighter actuation force, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing may opt for the Gateron North Pole V2 with its slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience depending on the user's preference, providing options for those who prefer lighter or heavier forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer a similar tactile experience as they both require the same amount of pressure to actuate and bottom out. This means that whether you choose the North Pole V2 or the Gold switch, you can expect a consistent feel and performance in terms of travel distance. In conclusion, the travel distance of both switches is identical, providing users with a comparable typing experience regardless of their choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 North Pole V2 for $5.70.
The Outemu Gold comes in at $3.10 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
Overall, when comparing the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, there are notable differences in both sound and feel. The North Pole V2 offers a subdued sound profile with a gummy typing feel, providing a deep and muted typing experience that is satisfying and chewy. On the other hand, the sound and feel of the Outemu Gold switch are unknown at this time. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, if a quiet and gummy typing experience is desired, the North Pole V2 would be a great choice, while the Outemu Gold may offer a different experience that is currently unknown. Remember, individual results may vary based on factors such as keyboard configuration and keycap selection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a deep and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel, then the North Pole V2 may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a switch with a unique clicky feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider how each switch's characteristics align with your typing preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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