Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch, and the Outemu Spring Breeze, a clicky switch. The North Pole V2 is best known for its gummy feel, offering a delightful typing experience with a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze lacks a specific descriptor, but is known for its clicky feedback. If you prefer a linear switch that provides a smooth and polished typing experience, the North Pole V2 may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy the clicky sound and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Spring Breeze could be your perfect match. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it is apparent that the North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, while the Spring Breeze uses nylon for both. The polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Spring Breeze produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. While both switches offer different sound profiles based on their housing materials, they each cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the North Pole V2 and the Spring Breeze, they both offer unique characteristics that cater to specific preferences in typing experience. The utilization of polycarbonate in the North Pole V2 results in a clear and sharp sound profile suitable for those seeking a higher-pitched and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more mellow and round tone. Both switches showcase how different housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing experience.
It is worth noting that the housing materials of the North Pole V2 and the Spring Breeze play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience for users. While the North Pole V2's polycarbonate top and bottom housing emphasize a clear and resonant sound profile, the Spring Breeze's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller tone. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for different qualities to be felt during key presses, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches lies in the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel, with each housing material offering a distinct typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is clear that the North Pole V2 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Spring Breeze has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams. The North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the Spring Breeze offers a lighter touch, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide a different tactile experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing feel and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed, determining the overall feel of the key. Both switches provide a consistent experience with the same travel distance, ensuring similar results in terms of key press depth. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a standard length, making them suitable options for users who prefer a consistent typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
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 Spring Breeze 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, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its subdued sound profile and gummy typing feel, providing a satisfying and unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch lacks specific descriptions for sound and feel, making it difficult to compare directly. However, based on the information provided, it seems that the North Pole V2 offers a more distinct and enjoyable typing experience with its deep and muted sound and chewy feel. If you are looking for a switch with a dampened sound and a gummy, creamy, bouncy, or polished typing sensation, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, along with a gummy and creamy typing feel with a subdued sound profile, then the North Pole V2 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and are looking for a switch with a unique typing experience and sound profile, the Spring Breeze might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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