Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 removes the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience while still maintaining a frictionless typing feel loved by users. While the Aqua is praised for its easiness to press and feathery feel, the New North Pole V2 is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless 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
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
The Dareu Aqua and Gateron New North Pole V2 both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for a more vibrant visual effect. However, while both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housings. The Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of sound and feel, the nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Aqua absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder typing experience, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Gateron New North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. When typing on these switches, the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the bottom housing material, highlighting the differences in sound between the two switches. However, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the unique characteristics of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on a keyboard. While both the Aqua and New North Pole V2 utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Aqua's nylon bottom housing or a sharper and crisper sound profile with the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua is lighter in both aspects. The Aqua has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires 50 grams for actuation. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua's force is unknown, whereas the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Aqua switch would be more suitable. However, individuals who seek a more substantial typing experience may find the New North Pole V2 with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces to be more appropriate. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these two switches, they provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect consistent and familiar results when using either switch. In terms of efficiency and comfort, both switches offer a smooth typing experience with a moderate travel distance, allowing for a satisfying tactile feedback while minimizing finger fatigue. Overall, whether you choose the Dareu Aqua or the Gateron New North Pole V2, you can expect a comparable travel distance that provides a reliable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is noted for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, adding a unique and lively acoustic element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of auditory feedback. However, it is important to consider that the sound of a switch can be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery tactile experience, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and enhances typing comfort. Conversely, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches prioritize a seamless typing experience, but the specific tactile qualities vary between the two.
Taking all the available information into account, the Dareu Aqua and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches offer distinctive characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Dareu Aqua stands out with its light actuation force and chirpy, clacky sound profile, the Gateron New North Pole V2 emphasizes a crisper typing experience with a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound, typing feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a lighter touch with unique sound feedback or a smoother, more refined typing sensation, both switches offer quality options that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its 37g actuation force, it provides a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be more suited to your needs. It maintains a frictionless typing feel and offers a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on your preference for actuation force, sound signature, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
