Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, and the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch. The Medium Tactile from Durock stands out for its unique flavor of tactility, providing a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback. Additionally, it possesses a jelly-like sound signature that adds to the typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 from Gateron is known for its gummy-like texture, offering a deep and muted sound profile along with a satisfyingly chewy typing feel. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that make them appealing. However, let's explore further beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and Gateron North Pole V2 switches share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is particularly advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a visually appealing illumination effect. Additionally, clear housing is often associated with polycarbonate, making it a preferred material in terms of aesthetics.
Where these switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which further enhances the switch's sharper and crisper sound characteristics. This bottom housing material would primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when it is pressed down.
In summary, the similarities between the Durock Medium Tactile and Gateron North Pole V2 lie in their polycarbonate top housing, which produces a similar sound profile and is ideal for RGB lighting. However, the difference in their bottom housing materials, nylon for the Medium Tactile and polycarbonate for the North Pole V2, results in variations in sound characteristics when pressing down on each switch. While the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the sound and feel during pressing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Medium Tactile is currently unavailable, while the North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls under the category of medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch for extended periods of typing or gaming, as it allows for less fatigue. For these individuals, the North Pole V2 may be a better choice with its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, there are those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For them, the Medium Tactile may be a suitable option, although its exact actuation force is currently unknown.
Overall, the North Pole V2 can be considered lighter compared to the Medium Tactile if we solely focus on the actuation force. However, since both switches share the same bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to fully press the keys. It ultimately comes down to personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience one is seeking.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same level of travel, giving you a similar typing experience. The travel distance of 4 mm represents the distance that the switch travels from the top to the bottom, providing a satisfying tactile feedback for the Medium Tactile and a smooth linear action for the North Pole V2. Therefore, whether you choose the Durock Medium Tactile or the Gateron North Pole V2, you can expect a consistent travel distance while typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having a "jelly-like" sound signature, although the exact qualities of this sound are not specified. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is described as producing a deep and muted sound profile. While the sound of a switch can also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, it seems that the Durock Medium Tactile switch may have a more distinctive and unique sound compared to the North Pole V2 switch. However, without further details on the exact sound qualities, it is difficult to make a direct comparison.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having a balanced and pronounced tactility. It is also described as being accented, meaning it provides a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is referred to as being stepped, indicating that it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, the Medium Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is described as being gummy, creamy, and bouncy. It provides a unique typing experience akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, with a smooth and buttery sensation due to factory lubrication or specific materials. The keys have a lively and spring-like feel, offering rebound when pressed. Based on these descriptions, it seems that the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides a more prominent tactility with a balanced and refined feel, while the Gateron North Pole V2 switch offers a smoother and more elastic typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its balanced and pronounced tactility, with a jelly-like sound signature. It offers an accented and stepped feel, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The switch has a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is known for its gummy and creamy feel, producing a deep and muted sound profile. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like and bouncy feedback sensation. While they offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, it is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the ideal switch for each user. Therefore, it is recommended to try out both switches or consult with experienced users to determine the best fit based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is the way to go. It offers an accented and stepped feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, this switch strikes a good balance between typing feedback and ease of use. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a deep and muted sound profile, along with a satisfying chewy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is the one for you. Its gummy and creamy characteristics create a unique typing experience, reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Both switches also feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your preference for tactility and sound profile.
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