Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Gazzew U4Tx are two popular options that offer distinct experiences. The North Pole V2 switch is a linear switch that can be best described as gummy. Typing on these switches produces a deep and muted sound profile, accompanied by a satisfying chewy typing feel. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch is a tactile switch that marries the best of both worlds. It is ingeniously designed to provide a cleaner and refined sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can enjoy the deep, resonant "thock" sound when bottoming out, combined with the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Additionally, each press delivers a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, offering a different typing experience based on sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Gazzew U4Tx exhibit significant differences in terms of their compositions and resulting sound profiles. The North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the transparent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the U4Tx employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," known for its softness. This unique plastic blend creates a rich and deep sound profile, offering a different auditory experience compared to polycarbonate.

In terms of the bottom housings, both switches share the use of polycarbonate as the material. This consistency ensures that both the North Pole V2 and the U4Tx benefit from the stiffer properties of polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. This similarity demonstrates how the choice of housing material can contribute to the overall tactile experience of a switch, irrespective of specific brand or model.

While the top and bottom housings differ between the North Pole V2 and the U4Tx, the impact of these housing materials is clearly delineated. The bottom housing exerts more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the overall tactile experience when the switch is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing primarily affects the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of considering both housing materials when selecting a switch, as they collectively contribute to the overall auditory and tactile qualities. Ultimately, it is the combination of top and bottom housing materials that creates a unique typing experience, distinguishing switches like the North Pole V2 and the U4Tx from one another.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it becomes clear that they share a common bottom out force of 65 grams, which classifies them as medium-heavy switches. However, the actuation force varies between the two switches. The North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a lighter touch for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the actuation force of the U4Tx remains unknown, making it difficult to determine whether it leans towards a lighter or heavier touch. Overall, the North Pole V2 can be considered the lighter option, catering to those who value prolonged typing comfort, while the U4Tx offers a comparable typing experience due to their shared bottom out force, but with an unknown actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The North Pole V2 falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the U4Tx is on the shallower side. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the U4Tx would be the better option. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press, the North Pole V2 would be more suitable. Despite their differences, both switches can still provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with varying levels of key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is best described as gummy, offering a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a refined sound profile that combines the deep resonant "thock" when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. The U4Tx offers a cleaner sound compared to the North Pole V2, which has a more subtle sound signature. It's important to note that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its gummy typing experience, creating a sensation similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, it can also provide a creamy feel, allowing for smooth and buttery keystrokes. It is worth mentioning that the North Pole V2 has a bouncy quality, giving the keys a spring-like feedback sensation. The switch also boasts a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump that is intense, providing a distinct feedback with each keypress.

In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The North Pole V2 provides a gummy sound with a satisfying chewy typing feel, while the U4Tx delivers a refined sound profile with a deep resonant "thock" and whisper-quiet topping out sound, accompanied by a sharp tactile bump. However, it's important to consider that specific sound and feel experiences may vary based on factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience.

Conclusion

In summary, if you prioritize a deep and muted sound profile along with a satisfying chewy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a gummy and creamy typing experience, reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The North Pole V2 offers a subdued sound that is not completely silent, but still provides a more subtle and dampened sound signature compared to most switches.

On the other hand, if you desire a cleaner, refined sound profile and a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is the perfect fit. With the same medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, it combines the deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. The U4Tx delivers a bassy sound with a lower frequency range, reminiscent of the depth and richness associated with bass tones, as well as a muted sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The sharp tactile bump of the U4Tx ensures a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactilely satisfying.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a gummy, creamy, bouncy, or polished typing experience, or if you prefer a sharp and crisp tactile bump, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing enjoyment. Consider your desired sound profile and the type of feedback you prefer, and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more