Durock Ice King Linear vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options can significantly influence your typing experience. The Durock Ice King Linear switch stands out for its silky smoothness, enhanced by its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, which combines to create a typing experience that feels both polished and creamy. This makes it an ideal choice for users seeking a more subdued and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing feel by eliminating the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, all while maintaining the frictionless glide that Gateron users have come to appreciate. This switch leans towards a polished and creamy tactile experience but emphasizes a sharper response, ideal for those wanting a bit more feedback in their typing. While each switch has its unique appeal—whether you prefer the Ice King's smoothness or the New North Pole V2's crispness—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Nylon
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 progressive long spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron New North Pole V2 differ significantly in their housing materials, which directly influences their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Ice King Linear features both a nylon top and bottom housing, lending itself to a warm, deeper sound characteristic. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound better than its harder counterparts, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. The deep resonance is not just a preference for some typists; it also creates a more enjoyable and tactile feeling when typing. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, allowing it to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This is achieved through the inherent properties of polycarbonate, which is stiffer than nylon. The clear nature of this material enhances its resonance, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, providing not only a striking visual appeal but also an articulate sound profile.
In terms of aesthetic and functional qualities, the two switches showcase their materials in distinct ways. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate used in the Gateron New North Pole V2 caters exceptionally well to RGB lighting setups, casting vibrant colors and illuminating the switches effectively. Conversely, the opaque nature of the Ice King Linear's nylon housing emphasizes a more subdued and classic look, which may appeal to users preferring a minimalist design. Both switches, having unique materials, cater to different preferences in visual and auditory experiences; while the Ice King maintains a more understated elegance, the New North Pole V2 boasts brightness and clarity.
When considering the impact of material choice on the overall switch performance, it is important to note how the different housings influence the typing action. With the Ice King Linear's nylon housing absorbing more sound, users will find that bottoming out creates a smoother sound, while the higher-pitched tone of the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate will produce a clear, resonant sound both on actuation and release. Therefore, if one were to combine these materials or design a switch using one type for the top and another for the bottom, it would be possible to merge the emotional resonance of the Ice King with the clarity and articulation of the New North Pole V2. This kind of hybrid approach could yield enjoyable auditory qualities, allowing for a versatile switch experience that incorporates the desirable traits of both nylon and polycarbonate.
Weight
The Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch present a close comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King has an actuation force of 52 grams, while the New North Pole V2 is slightly lighter at 50 grams. This difference means that the Ice King may require a marginally stronger push to actuate, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. For bottom out forces, the Ice King has a measurement of 62 grams, whereas the New North Pole V2 slightly exceeds that at 62.5 grams. While both switches feature similar bottom out forces, the Ice King's is a bit lower, making it marginally more forgiving when key presses are fully engaged. Overall, the New North Pole V2 is the lighter option, which can enhance prolonged typing sessions, while the Ice King provides a heavier experience for those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, the differences are noteworthy. The Ice King Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Durock Ice King is the better choice due to its shorter distance, which allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing a key, the Gateron New North Pole V2 could be more suitable, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper, more satisfying keystroke. Overall, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for either responsiveness or key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch produces a subdued audio profile. This design yields a dampened sound upon actuation, making it a favorable choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing feedback entirely. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron New North Pole V2 remain undocumented, leaving some uncertainty about how its sound profile compares. It’s important to remember that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard’s construction and the keycaps used, so subtle differences may manifest depending on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, both switches provide exceptionally smooth typing experiences. The Ice King Linear is characterized by a silky and creamy sensation, attributed to its nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, which minimizes resistance during keystrokes. This creates an effortless typing experience, akin to gliding fingers over the keys. The Gateron New North Pole V2, while lacking the rubber dampener from its predecessor, maintains its reputation for a frictionless typing feel and is similarly described as polished and creamy. Users can expect a sleek typing experience with reduced friction from both switches, making them comparable in terms of tactile satisfaction.
In conclusion, when comparing the Durock Ice King Linear and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches, they're closely matched in feel, delivering silky, creamy, and frictionless experiences that enhance the overall typing quality. Sound characteristics of the Ice King Linear are subdued, but the New North Pole V2's auditory profile remains unreported. Overall, you'll find both switches offer an exceptional typing experience, so personal preference regarding sound and any additional factors in your keyboard setup will likely influence your final choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches, your choice largely depends on the typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a silky smooth feel complemented by a more subdued sound, the Ice King Linear is your best bet, especially for a quiet office or shared workspace. Its factory lube and nylon construction promise a buttery and polished typing experience, making it ideal for those who spend extended hours typing or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly crisper tactile feedback and a more polished finish without sacrificing smoothness, the New North Pole V2 would be the right choice. Its frictionless glide and creamy texture will provide an enhanced typing experience for those who enjoy a balance of responsiveness and smoothness. Ultimately, both switches are designed to elevate your typing experience, so consider your preferences regarding sound, feel, and the overall typing environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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