Neo Lavender HE vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron New North Pole V2 offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE is a hall effect switch known for its clean, low sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a quieter keyboard while still enjoying the responsiveness of magnetic technology. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2, classified as a linear switch, provides a frictionless typing feel that many users have come to appreciate, particularly after the recent removal of the rubber dampener, which enhances the crispness of each keystroke. While the Lavender HE excels in silent operation and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, the New North Pole V2 is favored for its smoothness and polished touch. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron New North Pole V2 serve to highlight the distinct auditory experiences that can be achieved through different material choices. The Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, which is known for its softness and sound absorption capabilities. This leads to a typing experience characterized by a deeper, fuller sound profile that provides an encompassing feeling when typing. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material recognized for its rigidity and resonance. This construction results in a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity of each keystroke. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver enjoyable typing experiences, the Lavender HE focuses on warmth and depth, whereas the New North Pole V2 accentuates brightness and clarity.
Examining the bottom housings, a similar contrast emerges. The Lavender HE again opts for nylon, which, through its plush texture, engenders a rich, rounded sound upon bottoming out. This choice reinforces the switch's overall acoustic signature, providing a cohesive experience that emphasizes muted, pleasant tones. Conversely, the New North Pole V2 incorporates polycarbonate in its bottom housing, thus allowing for a sharper bottom-out sound that complements its already crisp top housing. This divergence in bottom housing materials ultimately shapes the tactile experience as well, as the sturdiness of polycarbonate gives a firmer feel during actuation, whereas nylon offers a softer touch. Consequently, while both switches provide their own unique sensations, the Nylon housing of the Lavender HE promotes deeper acoustic qualities, while the polycarbonate construction of the New North Pole V2 leans into a more resonant sound.
Ultimately, the differences between the housing materials of the Neo Lavender HE and the Gateron New North Pole V2 create distinct auditory and tactile experiences. If the top and bottom housings are different, as seen between these two models, the interplay of sound characteristics results in a unique outcome. With the Lavender HE's softer nylon housing absorbing sound for a fuller effect and the New North Pole V2’s polycarbonate construction amplifying clarity, each switch offers its particular flavor to the act of typing. However, users seeking a more muted and absorbent sound might gravitate towards the Lavender HE, while those desiring a brighter and crisper auditory signal would find satisfaction in the New North Pole V2. In essence, the combination of top and bottom housing materials defines the character of each switch, allowing for a diverse range of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom-out forces of the Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we see notable differences in weight that cater to varying preferences. The Neo Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience that provides tactile feedback and resistance. Ultimately, if you are looking for a lighter switch, the Neo Lavender HE is the better option, while those who appreciate a firmer push should opt for the Gateron New North Pole V2.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Lavender HE is the shorter option, which might appeal to gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced distance. In contrast, the New North Pole V2, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a satisfying bottom-out experience. Ultimately, if you opt for the shorter travel distance of the Lavender HE, you can expect a more rapid actuation, making it suitable for those who value speed in their typing or gaming experience. However, for those who favor a more hearty depth and a gradual keypress, the New North Pole V2 would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile of the Neo Lavender HE switch is characterized by its clean and low acoustics, providing a noise level that is pleasing to the ear and less disruptive overall. This quality gives it a distinct advantage in settings where a quieter operation is preferred. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch produces a crisper sound due to the absence of the rubber dampener found in its predecessor. This change contributes to an articulate auditory feedback that complements its typing experience quite well. However, it's important to remember that the sound output can be influenced significantly by the type of keyboard and keycap materials used, meaning users can achieve similar results with either switch based on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Neo Lavender HE is recognized for its smooth operational characteristics, although specific descriptive qualities are not detailed. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 promises a polished and creamy experience, resulting in a silky and refined typing sensation. The manufacturer emphasizes the frictionless nature of the switch, which ensures a seamless glide with minimal resistance. This combination makes the New North Pole V2 particularly appealing for those seeking effortless key presses and a fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches offer compelling qualities that cater to specific user preferences. The Neo Lavender HE excels in sound profile, providing a quiet and clean typing experience, while the New North Pole V2 shines in feel, delivering an exceptionally smooth and frictionless action. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal taste and the environment in which you’ll be using them, as both can result in satisfying performance tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy the unique attributes of hall effect switches, including a clean and low sound profile, the Lavender HE might be the ideal fit for you—especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard and appreciate a more innovative design. On the other hand, if you lean towards a firmer feel with a bit more resistance at 62.5 grams and appreciate a polished, creamy typing experience, the New North Pole V2 could be your best choice. This switch retains that signature frictionless glide but with a more pronounced tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who enjoy a crisp, smooth typing session. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the level of resistance you find most comfortable when making your decision.
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