Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch, and the Jerrzi Violet, a tactile switch, offer different typing experiences. The North Pole V2 is lauded for its gummy and creamy feel, providing users with a subdued and bouncy typing experience accompanied by a polished sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches are known for their smooth actuation and poppy tactility, offering a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. If you prefer a chewy and gummy feel, the North Pole V2 may be the way to go, while those who value smooth actuation and tactile feedback may lean towards the Jerrzi Violet. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Violet both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the housing material differs in the bottom housing as the North Pole V2 features polycarbonate, while the Violet uses nylon. While both materials offer benefits, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Violet ensures a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile, while the Violet's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how each switch can offer a unique typing experience based on the chosen housing material.
In terms of sound and typing feel, the difference between the polycarbonate top housing and the nylon bottom housing of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Jerrzi Violet is evident. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing down on a key. This split between the bottom and top housing materials allows each switch to have its own distinct sound profile and typing experience. Overall, whether utilizing polycarbonate or nylon, both housing materials contribute to the overall quality and feel of the switch, providing users with a unique typing experience based on their preferences.
Weight
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch. The North Pole V2 requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, giving it a medium to heavy feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet only needs 45 grams to actuate, but the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Jerrzi Violet, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may be more inclined to choose the North Pole V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the North Pole V2 being slightly longer than the Violet. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the North Pole V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress 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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed, which is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing scenarios. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches for sound would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is described as offering a gummy typing experience, akin to bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. It provides a chewy and satisfying feel while typing, giving users a unique sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is characterized as having a stepped tactile feel, offering a more mild tactile feedback compared to other tactile switches that feature a single intense bump throughout the keystroke. This difference in feel highlights the distinct typing experiences that each switch can provide.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different sound and feel experiences. While the North Pole V2 linear switch provides a gummy and muted sound profile along with a chewy typing feel, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on whether a user prefers a more subdued sound with a gummy typing feel or a balanced sound with a stepped tactile feedback, they can choose the switch that aligns with their preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a gummy, creamy, or bouncy typing feel, then the North Pole V2 may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and appreciate a gentle, smooth tactile feel with a stepped sensation, then the Violet switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
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