Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2. Both switches fall into the linear category, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke. The Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, it offers a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing experience thanks to the removal of its rubber dampener. However, it retains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel. Gateron has ensured that this switch maintains the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. These general pointers give you an idea of what each switch has to offer; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 utilize different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying clacky sound that is not overly sharp. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 switch also provides aesthetic benefits, as its translucency allows for better showcasing of RGB lighting.

While the top and bottom housings of the Ink Yellow and the New North Pole V2 differ in material, they share similar characteristics in terms of sound profile. Both switches produce a higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, creating a satisfying typing experience. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend and the polycarbonate material used in the New North Pole V2 contribute to the clear and resonant sound profiles of these switches. However, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 may lead to a slightly sharper sound compared to the Ink Yellow.

When it comes to the overall impact on sound and feel, the housing material of the bottom housing plays a significant role. Pressing down on the switch activates the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the bottom housing material of the Ink Yellow and the New North Pole V2 would have a more noticeable impact when typing. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, adding to the overall typing experience. Both switches would exhibit differences in this aspect due to their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The Ink Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams. However, their bottom out forces are relatively similar, with the Ink Yellow at 67 grams and the New North Pole V2 at 62.5 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the New North Pole V2 may be more suitable as its actuation force is lighter. This makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a stronger push feel with its heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.

Despite their differences, both switches fall under the medium weight category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Regardless of the choice made between the two, a similar typist experience can be achieved as both switches provide a medium force required for bottoming out. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we can see that there is a clear difference between the two. The Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, while 3.0 mm is on the shallower end. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become more prevalent recently, particularly preferred by gamers who value faster response times. In this case, the Ink Yellow would be the preferable option for those seeking a more responsive feel. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and prefer a greater depth to their keystrokes. For those who prioritize a sense of hearty depth, the New North Pole V2, with its longer travel distance, would be the suitable choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, using the keyboard at home or at work. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, there is no available information about the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also depend on other factors, such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches are described as polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through the use of specific materials and/or factory lubing. The Ink Yellow switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that most people will find approachable. The New North Pole V2 switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to the application of lubricant at the factory or the use of specific materials. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 switch is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Yellow switch offers a shorter travel and a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It provides a smooth and clacky sound, a mild and polished feel, and is suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch no longer has a rubber dampener but still retains the hallmark features of the North Pole lineup, such as a frictionless typing feel. It offers a sound profile and feel that is described as creamy, polished, and frictionless. Although there is limited information available for the New North Pole V2 switch, based on the available information, it is safe to say that it provides a similar level of smoothness and glide that users have come to love in Gateron switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance and a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback, and its neutral and clacky sound profile adds to the typing experience. Additionally, the Ink Yellow offers a mild and polished feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is a better option for you. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62.5 grams, this switch still maintains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup by providing a frictionless typing feel. It also offers a polished feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel, similar to the Ink Yellow.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 depends on your specific preferences. Both switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience, but the Ink Yellow is better suited for those who prefer a shorter travel distance and a clackier sound, while the New North Pole V2 is ideal for those who want a crisper typing feel without a rubber dampener.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more