Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Ink Box Black is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. It is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while still maintaining the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel. It is categorized as polished, creamy, and frictionless. Each switch has its own unique qualities that make it appealing, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide which switch is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
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 housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron New North Pole V2 differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Both housing materials produce a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, but with subtle differences in tonality.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Ink Box Black and the New North Pole V2 showcase contrasting properties. The proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall clacky experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 enhances its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate aids in creating a clear and resonant sound. These variations in sound characteristics allow users to choose between a slightly softer or crisper sound experience based on their personal preference.
Overall, the housing materials of both switches, while different, contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Ink Box Black's INK blend provides a satisfying thin and clacky sound, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, it is important to note that if the top and bottom housings are the same for a switch, the qualities of the housing material will be split between the bottom-out and release sound. In both cases, the housing materials are designed to enhance the overall sound experience based on individual preferences, allowing users to achieve similar results in terms of a satisfying and distinctive sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, some notable differences emerge. The Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams. This means that to trigger a keystroke on the Ink Box Black, a slightly stronger push is required. Additionally, the Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making the Ink Box Black overall slightly heavier.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the New North Pole V2 switch may be more suitable, as it has a lighter actuation force. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing sensation may find the Ink Box Black more appealing due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Thus, individuals seeking similar results in terms of typing experience may find that either switch will provide a satisfactory level of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the Ink Box Black and the New North Pole V2 depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. With these measurements, it is clear that the New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. The Ink Box Black falls on the shorter end of the spectrum with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the New North Pole V2 is closer to the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm.
For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may be preferable. Gamers, for example, often opt for shorter travel distances to achieve quicker button presses and increased responsiveness. On the other hand, some individuals may find a shorter travel distance too abrupt and prefer a switch with a greater depth. In that case, the New North Pole V2 with its longer travel distance would be the better choice.
Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. Both switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to select the option that aligns with their desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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
The Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches have different sound qualities. The Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. On the other hand, the sound description for the New North Pole V2 is unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. So while the specific sound of the New North Pole V2 switch is unknown, it can still provide a similar clacky and high-pitched experience as the Ink Box Black.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth experience. The Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished, enhancing the overall smoothness and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The New North Pole V2, on the other hand, is also described as polished and creamy. This indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The creamy characteristic implies a buttery sensation, where typing feels effortless and gliding across the keys with ease. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches offer subjective qualities that appeal to different preferences. While the sound description for the New North Pole V2 is unknown, it can still provide a similar clacky and high-pitched experience as the Ink Box Black. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the Ink Box Black being described as silky and polished, and the New North Pole V2 as polished, creamy, and frictionless. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preferences and the specific keyboard setup they are using.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a slightly lighter switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is a great option. It offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, ensuring a frictionless feel that Gateron is known for. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the New North Pole V2s may provide a creamy and buttery typing experience, making it feel like your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is a solid choice. It offers a smooth and creamy typing experience and produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This switch is also described as silky and polished, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Ultimately, both switches have their advantages and it comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
