Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey stand out as popular choices, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The North Pole V2 is a linear switch that is best known for its gummy feel, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. If you prefer a highly tactile switch that is also silent, the Outemu Silent Grey may be the better choice 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 the Outemu Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switches have a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey show a contrast between the stiffer polycarbonate used in the top housing of the North Pole V2 and the softer nylon used in the bottom housing of the Silent Grey. While the top housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound profile, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the North Pole V2 may offer a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the Silent Grey might provide a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to the properties of their respective bottom housing materials.
Although the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey use different materials for their bottom housings, both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This shared material ensures that both switches will have similar qualities in terms of sound profile and resonance. The difference in bottom housing materials, however, will result in distinct sound experiences when typing or gaming on these switches. Overall, users looking for a crisp and clear sound may prefer the North Pole V2, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound might lean towards the Silent Grey.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that users can expect a consistent experience in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke and fully press down on the keys. The medium-heavy weight of both switches strikes a balance between light actuation and heavy bottom out, making them suitable for users who prefer a tactile typing experience without feeling too burdensome. Ultimately, whether one chooses the Gateron North Pole V2 or the Outemu Silent Grey will come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. This means that whether you opt for the North Pole V2 or the Silent Grey, you can expect a consistent travel distance with each keystroke. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a familiar typing sensation regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey tactile switch, the subjective qualities differ significantly in both sound and feel. The North Pole V2 offers a subdued sound profile with a gummy, creamy, and bouncy typing feel, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, catering to those who prefer a tactile and silent typing feel. While both switches offer distinct qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between the two. With the North Pole V2, typists can expect a deep and muted sound with a chewy feel, while the Silent Grey switch offers a quieter typing experience with a pronounced bump. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a deep and muted sound with a chewy typing feel, the North Pole V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the specific feel and sound profile that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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