Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider what type of typing experience you're looking for. The Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch, is known for its gummy typing feel and deep, muted sound profile. The satisfying chewy sensation of these switches is complemented by their gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished categorization. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers, also a linear switch, offers a unique experience with its shorter activation and long pole stem. This combination provides a great typing feel, accompanied by a creamy sound signature. The Splash Brothers switches fall under the neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished category. While these general descriptions may help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed choice that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron North Pole V2 and Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This stiffness leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches aimed at providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the implementation of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, both the North Pole V2 and Splash Brothers offer similar sound profiles and visual effects due to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the North Pole V2 and Splash Brothers differ. The North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound and feel of the bottom-out action. Similar to its impact on the top housing, polycarbonate provides a sharper and more resonant sound when the key is fully pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers utilize a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a duller and rounder sound when the key is fully pressed, offering a different tactile experience compared to the North Pole V2.
In summary, while both the Gateron North Pole V2 and Jwick Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in terms of the bottom housing material. As a result, the North Pole V2 delivers a sharper and crisper sound when keys are released, while the Splash Brothers offer a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. Despite this distinction, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences and take advantage of polycarbonate's advantages in terms of sound quality and RGB lighting capabilities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable differences. The North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 48 grams, classifying it as light.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer durations, which is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, others enjoy a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the North Pole V2 would cater to those seeking a stronger push feel, while the Splash Brothers would suit those looking for a lighter option.
Although the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown, it is clear that the bottom out force is lighter than that of the North Pole V2. This suggests that the Splash Brothers would result in a softer and less forceful keystroke experience compared to the North Pole V2. Therefore, depending on individual preferences and desired typing experience, users can make an informed decision based on whether they want a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Splash Brothers switch. The 4 mm travel distance of the North Pole V2 is considered more traditional, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Splash Brothers switch is slightly shorter, which is often favored by gamers for its faster response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers switch to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance offering increased responsiveness and the longer travel distance providing a more satisfying 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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 is best described as having a deep and muted sound profile. This means that when you press the switch, it will produce a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers has a creamy sound signature. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a smooth and buttery sound experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 offers a gummy typing experience. This means that when bottoming out, it will feel like bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the North Pole V2 is also described as having a creamy and polished feel. This indicates that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also has a snappy and bouncy feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with lively rebound when pressed. Similar to the North Pole V2, the Splash Brothers also have a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 and Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The North Pole V2 provides a gummy sound profile and a gummy, creamy, and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers offer a creamy sound signature and a mild, snappy, and bouncy typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences and the intended use of the keyboard when choosing between these switches. If you prefer a deep and muted sound profile with a gummy typing feel, the North Pole V2 would be a great choice. If you prefer a creamy sound signature with a mild, snappy, and bouncy typing experience, the Splash Brothers would be a suitable option. Overall, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is best suited for those who prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams. Its standout feature is the gummy typing feel, which provides a unique and satisfying experience akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or gummy bear. The North Pole V2 also offers a deep and muted sound profile, creating a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be a great choice. These switches are known for their shorter activation and long pole stem, which results in a great typing feel. The Splash Brothers offer a creamy sound signature and a range of feels including mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferred bottom-out force and the desired sound and feel during typing.
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