Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Red both fall under the linear category. The North Pole V2 is renowned for its gummy feel, offering a deep and muted sound profile that delivers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is known for being a straightforward linear switch with no specific standout characteristics. If you value a gummy and creamy typing feel, the North Pole V2 may be the switch for you. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Red both share a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal. However, despite their similarities in the top housing material, the North Pole V2 and Outemu Red differ in their bottom housing materials.
In contrast to the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing, the Outemu Red features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing may feel and sound different compared to those with a polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in material highlights how the choice of bottom housing can affect the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, while the Gateron North Pole V2 and Outemu Red may have similar materials in their top housings, the difference in their bottom housings can significantly impact the typing experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials means that each component plays a role in shaping the sound and feel of the switch. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, the housing materials of a switch can greatly influence your overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the North Pole V2 is slightly heavier in both aspects. The North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the North Pole V2 offers a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces. For those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Outemu Red switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth keystroke experience with their linear design. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron North Pole V2 or the Outemu Red linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing feel.
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 Red 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
When considering the subjective qualities of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, the sound profiles of the two switches differ significantly. The North Pole V2 is known for producing a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Red switch is not defined in the available information, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the North Pole V2 is described as having a gummy typing feel, creating a unique experience reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. This provides a chewy and satisfying sensation while typing. Unfortunately, the tactile characteristics of the Outemu Red switch are not specified, making it challenging to draw parallels between the two switches in terms of feel.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a specific sound profile described as subdued, along with a gummy typing feel. In contrast, the Outemu Red linear switch lacks clear descriptions of its sound and feel qualities. As such, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, with the North Pole V2 offering a chewy and satisfying experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preference. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a gummy, subdued sound profile along with a satisfying typing feel, then the North Pole V2 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a linear switch without any specific standout characteristics, the Outemu Red could be a suitable option. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired typing feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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