Durock Light Tactile vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular switches worth considering are the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Light Tactile switch is renowned for its gentle tactility, offering a pleasant contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches evokes a heavenly tactility accompanied by a soft, jelly-like sound. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 from Gateron stands out for its removal of the rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience. However, it still maintains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel that users have grown to love. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, let's delve deeper to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron New North Pole V2 share similar properties when it comes to their use of polycarbonate in the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for switches that feature RGB lighting. Therefore, whether you choose the Light Tactile or the New North Pole V2, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Light Tactile uses nylon while the New North Pole V2 employs polycarbonate. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the contrary, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Therefore, the Light Tactile is likely to produce a duller and rounder bottom-out sound, while the New North Pole V2 will offer a crisper bottom-out experience. This difference in bottom housings adds variation to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
When using either switch, it's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials will have different effects. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing will come into play, influencing the sound produced. Both switches' polycarbonate top housing will result in a sharper and higher-pitched sound upon key release, adding a touch of auditory distinction to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Light Tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Light Tactile switch requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Light Tactile switch is heavier with a force of 67 grams, while the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This implies that the Light Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a firmer press when fully depressing the keys. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a slightly lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by individuals looking for a switch that allows them to type for extended periods without fatigue. Overall, while there are differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches, they both fall within the medium range and can provide similar results in terms of overall typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches have the same travel distance, meaning that pressing down on a key with either switch will result in a similar experience in terms of the distance traveled by the switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Light Tactile switch has a neutral profile, meaning it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. It offers a jelly-like sound signature that is gentle and pleasing to the ear. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is not specified, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of sound. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls in the middle ground, offering gentle tactility that is well-suited for most users. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is also described as polished, which suggests a similar smooth and sleek typing experience. Additionally, it is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery sensation while typing. The switch is also touted as frictionless, meaning it minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid travel.
Based on the available information, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch impresses with its frictionless typing feel and creamy, polished experience. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. However, as the sound profile and other subjective qualities of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch are not specified, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison in those aspects. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a gentle and approachable tactile switch with a smooth typing experience, both switches appear to offer similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. Its angelic tactility is a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found on the market. Additionally, the Light Tactile has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be an excellent option. Despite the removal of the rubber dampener, Gateron has retained the frictionless typing feel that users love. The New North Pole V2 has a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which offers a comfortable typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Light Tactile is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. Unfortunately, there is no information provided about the sound profile of the New North Pole V2.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. The Light Tactile is considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience that most people would find approachable. The New North Pole V2, on the other hand, offers a creamy and frictionless feel, giving you a silky and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prefer a gentle tactility or a crisper linear feel, and whether you prioritize sound neutrality or a creamy typing experience. By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the switch that best suits your typing needs.
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