Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Presenting two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches from Gateron: the G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch. Both switches offer their unique advantages, making them suitable for various typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is renowned for being an economical solution without compromising on quality. It provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, perfect for those who enjoy a gentle bump while typing. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is known for its gummy linear feel, offering a deep and muted sound profile that adds to the typing experience. This switch provides a satisfying chewy sensation, making it ideal for typists who prefer a smooth and consistent keystroke. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision and choose the perfect switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron North Pole V2 both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice not only enhances the aesthetics of the switches with its translucency, but it also contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is particularly advantageous when using RGB lighting, as its transparency allows for vibrant and visually appealing lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting capabilities when using either of these switches.
On the other hand, there is a distinction between the bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the North Pole V2. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic choice for switch materials. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the North Pole V2 incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. As mentioned earlier, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile. While the bottom housing may have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the differences in material will likely result in distinct acoustic qualities between the two switches.
To summarize, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron North Pole V2 benefit from polycarbonate top housings, providing a similar sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, their bottom housings differ, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizing soft nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the North Pole V2 employs polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound. These material variations will likely result in contrasting acoustic experiences when typing on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the 50 grams of the North Pole V2, meaning slightly more pressure is needed to trigger a keystroke on the G Pro 3.0 Brown. However, the North Pole V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's bottom out force of 63 grams. This indicates that the North Pole V2 offers a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required for bottoming out.
In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, while the North Pole V2 is heavier in terms of bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is beneficial for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, such as for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the North Pole V2 with its heavier bottom out force.
Despite the differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering an intermediate typing experience. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results can expect comparable tactile feedback and performance from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, as well as the desired typing experience one is seeking.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance they travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the North Pole V2, you can expect a consistent and comfortable tactile feedback or smooth linear action, respectively. Both switches offer a satisfying keystroke and will meet the needs of users who prefer a certain travel distance for their keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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.
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 G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as having a medium-high pitch and a satisfying auditory feedback. It offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, carefully designed to provide a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a deep and muted sound profile, creating a subdued sound when pressed. It offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel aspect, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing efficiency and comfort, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro Brown switch also falls into the mild category, providing a more gentle typing experience overall. It is approachable to most users due to its safe middle-ground qualities. Furthermore, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. You can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, offering a mild tactile experience.
On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a gummy typing feel. When bottoming out on these switches, it's like bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, providing a unique sensation. Additionally, the North Pole V2 switch is described as creamy, which means it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. This smoothness is often due to factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch construction. The North Pole V2 switch also falls into the bouncy category, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel, providing rebound when pressed. Lastly, the North Pole V2 switch can be described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking into account all the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation along with a medium-high pitch sound that adds joy to typing sessions. It offers an easy-to-press feel, enhancing typing efficiency and comfort with its low-impact characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a gummy typing feel, depth-muted sound, and unique bounce. The typing experience on the North Pole V2 switch is smooth and buttery, with its polished finish reducing friction and facilitating smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer different subjective qualities, but if you prefer a softer typing experience, you can achieve similar results with both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality and enjoy a subtle tactile sensation, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a frosted light diffuser, this switch enhances the visual experience of your RGB lighting. It also offers a medium-high pitch that adds to the joy of typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a gummy and chewy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the way to go. It provides a unique typing experience with its trampoline-like bottom-out feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for sound and feel. Whether you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the North Pole V2, both switches offer their own distinct qualities to enhance your overall typing experience.
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