Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Peach. Both switches belong to the linear switch category, providing a smooth keystroke experience without any tactile feedback. The North Pole V2, with its gummy and creamy feel, offers a deep and muted sound profile, creating a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach stands out for its lightweight nature and silenced operation, delivering a feathery light typing experience that linear enthusiasts will appreciate. Whether you prefer a chewy and subdued feel or a neutral and mild typing experience, these switches have their own merits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches differ in terms of the material used. The North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Outemu Peach utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, the polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Outemu Peach elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. So, depending on the desired sound experience, one may prefer the North Pole V2 for a more precise and resonant sound or the Outemu Peach for a deeper and fuller sound.
Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 is translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. The clear housing allows for a more vibrant and visually appealing lighting effect. However, the Outemu Peach's nylon housing does not offer the same translucent property, so it may not be as visually striking for those interested in RGB lighting. In terms of functionality, both housing materials serve their purpose, but the polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 has an added benefit for those who want to enhance their lighting setup.
When it comes to the impact on the typing experience, the housing materials of the top and bottom sections of the switch play a significant role. The bottom housing, whether it's polycarbonate or nylon, has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. This means that the characteristics of the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 would contribute to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Peach would result in a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, whether it's polycarbonate or nylon, the top housing would impact the sound profile during key release. So, depending on the desired sound profile during both key press and release, one may prefer the North Pole V2 or the Outemu Peach housing materials.Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches result in contrasting sound profiles and aesthetics. The polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a precise and resonant typing experience. Additionally, its translucent properties make it suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Outemu Peach provides a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more round and dull typing experience. However, it does not offer the same translucency for RGB lighting. Understanding the impact of housing materials on the bottom-out and release sounds can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences. Whether they prioritize a specific sound profile, the visual appeal of RGB lighting, or a combination of both, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch, there are some notable differences. The North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier force for actuation, at 50 grams, compared to the Outemu Peach's actuation force of 40 grams, making the North Pole V2 slightly more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the North Pole V2 also requires a heavier force at 65 grams, while the Outemu Peach only requires 50 grams. This means that typing on the North Pole V2 may feel slightly more substantial and may be preferred by those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Outemu Peach make it a suitable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming. Overall, the North Pole V2 can be considered medium-heavy in terms of its actuation and bottom out force, while the Outemu Peach is on the lighter side.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The North Pole V2 offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a greater depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach offers a shallower travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. Those seeking a more responsive feel may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Outemu Peach, while those desiring a deeper and more satisfying keypress may prefer the longer travel distance of the Gateron North Pole V2. Both switches offer unique advantages, and the decision ultimately comes down to an individual's preference for responsiveness or depth.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is best known for its gummy feel and deep, muted sound profile. When typing on these switches, users will experience a satisfying chewy typing feel similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The sound produced by the North Pole V2 is described as subdued, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch is known for its lightweight and silenced characteristics. These switches provide a feathery light typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a light touch. The sound of the Outemu Peach is described as neutral and muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches.
In terms of sound, the North Pole V2 has a deep and muted sound profile, while the Outemu Peach has a more neutral and muted sound. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for shared spaces or for individuals who prefer a quieter environment. However, note that the actual sound of these switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the North Pole V2 switches have a gummy, chewy feel that resembles bottoming out on a trampoline or gummy bear. Additionally, they offer a creamy, bouncy, and polished typing experience, providing smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches offer a mild and subtle typing experience. They have a gentle resistance with a light feel and a polished finish, similar to the North Pole V2.
In conclusion, both the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch offer unique subjective qualities. The North Pole V2 has a gummy feel with a deep and muted sound, while the Outemu Peach provides a light and silenced typing experience. If you prefer a quieter and more gentle typing experience, either switch can give you similar results. However, if you are looking for specific qualities like the gummy feel or the silencing feature, you may lean towards one option over the other. Remember to consider personal preferences, the keyboard board used, and the keycaps when deciding on which switch to choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a deep and muted sound profile, along with a satisfying chewy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 is the way to go. These switches provide a gummy typing experience, making it feel like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience, the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch is the better choice. These switches are very lightweight and silenced, perfect for linear lovers who want a delicate typing feel. They offer a gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and have a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities, catering to different typing preferences.
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