Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2. While both switches are linear, they offer unique features and characteristics that may appeal to different individuals. The Ink Red, known for its lower actuation force, is ideal for those with a lighter typing style. With a satisfyingly smooth feel and a crispy, clacky sound profile, typing on the Ink Reds is effortless. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 may catch your attention with its crisper typing experience, achieved by eliminating the rubber dampener present in its predecessor. Despite this change, Gateron has managed to retain the smoothness and frictionless typing feel that users have come to love in the North Pole lineup. Both switches are categorized by their polished finish, but the New North Pole V2 is also described as creamy and frictionless, giving it a distinct feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision regarding the switch that suits your needs perfectly.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 differ in terms of the materials used. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which is designed to create a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 switch also enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially when used with RGB lighting due to its translucency.

While the specific materials used in the top and bottom housing of the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 differ, they both aim to deliver a satisfying sound profile. The proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing in the Ink Red is designed to create a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 produces a sharper and more resonant sound. Both switches offer a distinct sound experience, with the Ink Red providing a clacky sound and the New North Pole V2 offering a crisper and higher-pitched sound.

When it comes to the impact on typing experience, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 have different effects. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material are more pronounced when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. As the Ink Red and the New North Pole V2 have different bottom housing materials, this difference may be notable in the typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material has more influence on the sound produced when letting go of a key, which means that the Ink Red and the New North Pole V2 may have similar sound characteristics when keys are released, as they both have different top housing materials. Overall, these differences in housing materials contribute to the distinctive sound profiles and typing experiences offered by the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, the Ink Red requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the New North Pole V2 requires slightly more at 50 grams. Both switches have a medium actuation force, providing a balanced typing experience. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ink Red requires 60 grams of force to fully depress the key, while the New North Pole V2 necessitates a slightly heavier force of 62.5 grams. Therefore, the New North Pole V2 has a slightly higher bottom out force compared to the Ink Red. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ink Red would be a suitable choice as it has a slightly lighter actuation force. On the other hand, if a more substantial and tactile typing experience is desired, the New North Pole V2 with its slightly heavier forces would be a better option. Overall, both switches offer similar results with their medium actuation force, but the New North Pole V2 provides a slightly heavier bottom out force than the Ink Red.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, so you can expect similar results when using either one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch is best known for its smooth and satisfying typing experience. It has a lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. The switch is described as having a crispy and clacky sound profile, giving it a unique acoustic signature. The Ink Red switch offers a neutral sound with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. It also provides a silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. The switch falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Ink Red is described as having a polished finish, resulting in sleek and frictionless key travel.

On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its crisp typing experience. Unlike its predecessor, it no longer has a rubber dampener, which adds to the switch's crispness. However, Gateron has managed to retain the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love in the North Pole lineup. While there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switch, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches both offer smooth and satisfying typing experiences. The Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, crispy and clacky sound profile, and silky feel. Meanwhile, the New North Pole V2 provides a crisp typing experience and retains the seamless glide and smoothness of the North Pole lineup. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in sleek and frictionless key travel. While the specific sound qualities of the New North Pole V2 are unknown, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used to determine the overall sound experience. With these switches, users can expect a pleasurable typing experience, each with their unique features.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it all boils down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter typing style and a switch with a lower actuation force, the Ink Red would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are known for their smoothness, crisp and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile or a unique chirpy sound, the Ink Red has options to cater to your preferences.

On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys a crisper typing experience and values the frictionless typing feel that the North Pole lineup offers, the New North Pole V2 might be a better fit for you. These switches have retained the seamless glide and smoothness that users love, even with the removal of the rubber dampener. The New North Pole V2s also offer a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Furthermore, if you appreciate creamy, buttery switches or ones that are frictionless, the New North Pole V2 has options to provide you with a smooth and effortless typing experience.

Ultimately, it is important to consider both the actuation force and the sound and feel preferences that align with your typing style. Whether you prioritize a lighter and smoother experience or a crisper and frictionless feel, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. It’s up to you to weigh these factors and make the choice that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more