Gateron Melodic vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Melodic stands out for its clicky nature, offering users a satisfying tactile feedback and classic clicky sound while maintaining smoothness thanks to advancements like dual-railed stems and factory lubing. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that provides a crisper typing experience by eliminating the rubber dampener found in its predecessor. Despite this change, it still offers a frictionless typing feel and smooth glide that users appreciate. While the Melodic is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the New North Pole V2 is categorized as 'Polished', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is also ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the light to shine through effectively. However, the Melodic utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crispness of polycarbonate.
While both the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron New North Pole V2 boast a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Melodic's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper sound profile, in line with the characteristics of polycarbonate being a stiff plastic. This results in a clear and resonant sound, creating a contrast with the Melodic's duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon bottom housing.
In terms of overall typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the sound and feel of the switch when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. The Melodic's nylon bottom housing would likely provide a softer and more muted bottom-out sound compared to the sharper sound of the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing in both switches would contribute to a crisp and clear sound upon release. Therefore, while the top housings of the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron New North Pole V2 are similar, their differing bottom housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is listed as None grams, while the actuation force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is 50 grams. This means that the Melodic switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the New North Pole V2. On the other hand, both switches have a bottom out force in the medium range, with the Melodic switch at 60 grams and the New North Pole V2 at 62.5 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Melodic switch may appeal to those looking for a lighter typing experience, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the New North Pole V2 provides a slightly firmer typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that whether you're using the Melodic clicky switch or the New North Pole V2 linear switch, you can expect to experience a similar travel distance when typing or gaming. This can lead to a consistent feel across both switches, allowing for a seamless transition between keyboards with different switch types. Ultimately, the travel distance of both switches will provide a comfortable and familiar typing experience for users who prefer either clicky or linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, thanks to its high-pitched sound profile and crisp, autumn leaf-like sound. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is not specified, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound. However, both switches can provide a unique auditory experience depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid typing sensation with pronounced feedback and firm actuation force. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a sleek typing experience with smooth key travel and minimal friction. While the feel of these switches may differ slightly, both offer a premium typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a crisp and resonant typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing feel with a creamy and polished finish, the New North Pole V2 switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound. If you enjoy a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback and smoothness, the Melodic switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener and a frictionless typing feel, the New North Pole V2 switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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