Gateron North Pole V1
Best linear switch for enthusiasts seeking vibrant RGB lighting and smoothness.
Discover the Gateron North Pole V1 switches, engineered for a superior typing experience and striking visual appeal. These transparent linear switches boast a clean design with a focused lens, perfect for illuminating RGB lighting on your mechanical keyboard. Enjoy an exceptionally smooth typing feel, enhanced by light factory lubrication for immediate use. Built for longevity with high durability, these switches offer a satisfying and consistent typing experience, featuring a 50g actuation force and 60g bottom out force.
$24.30
More Gateron North Pole Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1604
/ 6542
#1604 in Keyboard Keys & Caps
Price vs Category Average
-43%
Below average
Switch Type
Linear
/ Linear
Who it's for
- RGB enthusiasts seeking maximum light diffusion and aesthetic brilliance
- Typists wanting a smooth linear experience without manual lubrication
- Keyboard hobbyists preferring a crisp, high-pitched clacky sound profile
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious builders looking for cost-effective switch options
- Precision-focused users bothered by loose stem stability
- Perfectionists requiring uniform lubrication for consistent switch performance
Performance breakdown
RGB Illumination
The fully transparent housing maximizes light diffusion for vibrant keyboard aesthetics.
Typing Smoothness
Factory lubrication ensures a buttery linear feel straight out of the box.
Switch Stability
The 5-pin design provides a secure, wobble-free fit for most boards.
Actuation Consistency
Gold-plated springs deliver a reliable and uniform force across every key.
Build Durability
High-quality polycarbonate construction ensures long-term resilience for heavy daily use.
Compatibility
Standard MX-style mounting makes these switches a versatile choice for enthusiasts.
Key Specs
Switch Type
Linear
Actuation Force
50g
Bottom Out Force
60g
Travel Distance
4.0mm
Quantity
72 count
Top Housing Material
Proprietary
Bottom Housing Material
PC
Stem Material
PC
Features
- Transparent housing for maximum RGB shine
- Ultra-smooth linear typing experience
- Lightly factory lubed for immediate use
- High durability for extended lifespan
- 5-pin design for enhanced stability
- Compatible with Cherry MX style switches
- Ideal for RGB mechanical keyboards
What customers say
The Gateron North Pole V1 switches earn high praise primarily for their stunning visual design and excellent out of box performance. Enthusiasts love the fully transparent housing, which beautifully showcases RGB lighting, making them ideal for visually focused builds. Users consistently report exceptional smoothness immediately, often needing little to no extra lubrication for a premium feel. The sound profile is distinctly high pitched and clacky, appealing to those seeking that specific acoustic signature. While the factory lube is generally very good, some users prefer minor manual adjustments. Despite a slightly premium cost compared to budget options, the consensus is that the superior aesthetics and near perfect stock smoothness justify the investment for enthusiasts prioritizing quality and visual flair.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Gateron North Pole V1 features a 5-pin design that is compatible with most hot-swappable mechanical keyboards that support Cherry MX style switches.
These switches come lightly factory-lubed, providing a smooth experience right out of the box. While you can add more lubricant if you prefer a specific sound profile, it is not required for optimal performance.
The North Pole V1 features a fully transparent housing designed specifically to maximize light diffusion. This makes them an excellent choice if you want your keyboard's RGB lighting to appear brighter and more vibrant.
With a 50g actuation force and a 60g bottom-out, these switches offer a balanced, medium-weight linear feel. The use of polycarbonate materials and a gold-plated spring contributes to a notably smooth and consistent keystroke.
Yes, they utilize a standard MX-style cross stem mount, making them compatible with the vast majority of aftermarket keycap sets.
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