Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch. The New North Pole V2 is praised for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, made possible by the removal of the rubber dampener found in its predecessor. It offers a polished and creamy feel that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch doesn't have any standout features but is known for its tactile feedback, providing a gentle bump when a key is actuated. While the North Pole V2 is ideal for those seeking a seamless glide and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Brown might be favored by those who prefer a bit of feedback with each keystroke. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Brown, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. On the other hand, the Brown switch features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
While the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate and offer similar sound profiles, the bottom housings set them apart. The New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a clear and resonant sound profile, complementing the sharper sound produced by its top housing. In contrast, the Outemu Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the higher-pitched sound produced by its polycarbonate top housing. This distinction in bottom housing materials showcases how different housing materials can affect the overall sound and feel of a switch.
When comparing the impact of each housing material on the switch, it is evident that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. The New North Pole V2 and the Outemu Brown exemplify how the choice of housing material can influence the overall typing experience, with polycarbonate offering a sharper sound and nylon providing a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, the selection between these housing materials will depend on personal preference for sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams. Both switches have a relatively similar bottom out force, with the New North Pole V2 at 62.5 grams and the Outemu Brown at 65 grams. This means that while the actuation force differs slightly between the two switches, the typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys will be relatively similar. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the New North Pole V2 for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Outemu Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing feel for the user.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a consistent key press experience in terms of how far the switch travels from top to bottom. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of the feel and responsiveness of the switches. In essence, whether you choose the New North Pole V2 or the Outemu Brown, you can be assured of a tactile experience that is neither shorter nor longer than the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 New North Pole V2 linear switch is often described as having a quiet and smooth sound profile, allowing for a more peaceful typing experience compared to clicky switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its subtle tactile bump that provides feedback without producing a loud click, resulting in a quieter typing experience overall. Both switches offer a relatively quiet typing experience, with the New North Pole V2 being slightly smoother in sound due to its linear nature.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is often described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. This means that users can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Outemu Brown tactile switch lacks specific descriptors in terms of feel, but it generally provides a tactile bump without being overly pronounced. While the exact feel of the Brown switch may vary depending on personal preference, it is typically regarded as comfortable and responsive for extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The New North Pole V2 provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a quiet sound profile, perfect for those who prioritize comfort and quietness. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a subtle tactile bump for feedback without sacrificing noise levels, ideal for users who prefer a tactile response during typing. Ultimately, both switches are great options depending on individual preferences, and users can expect similar levels of quality and performance from either one.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should consider the bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a crisp typing experience with a frictionless feel, the New North Pole V2 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience without too much sound, the Outemu Brown is the better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you desire. Choose wisely based on your preferences and needs.
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