Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 are two excellent options to consider. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out as a budget-friendly choice that doesn't compromise on performance. With its polished and high-pitched nature, it offers a clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 sets itself apart by providing a crisper typing experience thanks to the absence of a rubber dampener. Despite this change, it still retains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel. Both switches are polished and creamy, offering a smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. By having polycarbonate in the top housing, both switches will produce similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics. However, it is worth noting that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the bottom housing will contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing will have more impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, delivering a sharp and resonant sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing, however, offers a distinct advantage with its deeper and fuller sound. This difference in bottom housing material will be noticeable when bottoming out keys, providing a unique typing experience. If you prioritize a more rounded and absorbent sound during typing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you are specifically interested in the sound when releasing a key or plan to use RGB lighting, both switches will deliver similar results and the choice between them may come down to personal preference.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharp and resonant sound profile. However, they differ in their bottom housing materials, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow using nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate. The bottom housing contributes to the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer the distinct sound characteristics provided by the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the aesthetic and RGB lighting benefits of the polycarbonate housing in both switches.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the initial push required to register a keypress is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a slight difference. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the New North Pole V2, which has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the New North Pole V2.
Considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the New North Pole V2, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This would be ideal for those who use their keyboard for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger and more substantial push feel when typing may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. By selecting options with heavier forces, they can achieve a typing experience that feels more satisfying and impactful. Overall, both switches offer unique benefits, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow being slightly heavier, while the New North Pole V2 provides a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and precise typing experience, allowing for efficient and comfortable key presses. Whether you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the New North Pole V2 switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
The Gateron New 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 New 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
When it comes to sound, there is a noticeable difference between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its higher pitched clacky sound profile, which provides a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the New North Pole V2 are not explicitly described in the provided information. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the New North Pole V2 switches offer a polished typing experience. This indicates that both switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek key travel and reduced friction. Additionally, they share the descriptor of being "creamy" switches, which implies a buttery and silky sensation when typing. This could be due to factory lubing or specific materials used in the switches, enhancing the overall comfort and ease of keystrokes. Furthermore, the New North Pole V2 is described as having a frictionless typing feel, which ensures a fluid travel and minimizes any sense of resistance or friction.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches differ in sound characteristics, with the former having a higher-pitched clacky sound profile, while the latter's sound qualities are unknown. However, both switches provide a polished and creamy typing experience, offering reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a comfortable feel. With the New North Pole V2 maintaining the frictionless typing feel characteristic of the North Pole lineup, users can expect a seamless glide and smoothness that Gateron has consistently delivered. Therefore, if you enjoy the sound and feel of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch, the New North Pole V2 is likely to provide similar results in terms of typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches, it ultimately boils down to your personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, the New North Pole V2 will be more suitable. Both switches offer a medium-bottom out force, providing a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, it is important to consider your own preferences and prioritize the aspects that matter to you the most when making a decision.
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