Cherry MX Black vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX 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 Cherry MX Black and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The MX Black is loved for its classic textured smoothness, courtesy of Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. Typing on these switches offers a familiar deep sound profile, making them a reliable choice for many users. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 from Gateron is known for providing a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener. Despite this change, Gateron has maintained the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup – a frictionless typing feel. With a polished and creamy typing experience, these switches retain the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches differ in terms of the nylon and polycarbonate used. The MX Black features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the nylon. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it especially suitable for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.
Similarly, the bottom housing of the Cherry MX Black and Gateron New North Pole V2 differ in terms of their materials. The MX Black incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out while typing. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. The stiffness of polycarbonate brings a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to the switch. Like the top housing, the polycarbonate material allows for a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches featuring RGB lighting.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Black and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches differ in their housing materials, each offers unique sound profiles and aesthetic benefits. The nylon housing of the MX Black provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The polycarbonate housing, on the other hand, offers a sharper and crisper sound. If a switch features clear housing, it is more likely to be polycarbonate, making it ideal for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting. Despite their differences, both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences depending on the user's preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight that can affect typing preference. The MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, meaning it requires more pressure to trigger a keystroke, while the New North Pole V2 has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the MX Black requires a heavier force of 80 grams, whereas the New North Pole V2 requires a medium force of 62.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice, as it allows for longer periods of typing without much strain. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the MX Black is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial and sturdy typing feel, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push.
While the MX Black and the New North Pole V2 differ in terms of their force requirements, it is important to note that both switches deliver reliable performance. If a lighter actuation and bottom out force is desired, opting for the New North Pole V2 can yield similar results to the MX Black's heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key, users will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance for both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, users can expect similar results from both the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black switches are best described as having a low-pitched tone. This means that they produce a deeper and more bass-heavy sound compared to higher-pitched switches. The New North Pole V2 switches, on the other hand, do not have a specific description of their sound. However, it is important to note that the sound profile of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the MX Black switches are known for their low-pitched sound, the sound produced by the New North Pole V2 switches may vary depending on the setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the MX Black switches are described as having a textured and stiff feel. The texture refers to the noticeable friction felt when pressing the keys, which can be preferred by some users. Additionally, the stiffness of the switches requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, meaning more force needs to be applied when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switches are described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. This indicates that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and buttery typing experience. The switches offer reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sense of effortless gliding when typing.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their iconic textured smoothness, deep sound profile, and stiff feel. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches provide a crisper typing experience, with a frictionless typing feel, polished smoothness, and creamy sensation. While the MX Black switches offer a low-pitched sound and textured, stiff feel, the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switches is not specifically mentioned, and they provide a more polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. It's important to note that the overall experience of using these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, based on the available information, if you are looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, both switches can deliver similar results.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Black and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a heavier keystroke requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out, along with a lower-pitched and textured typing sound, then the MX Black would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium keystroke with a smoother and polished feel, along with a creamy and frictionless typing experience, then the New North Pole V2 would be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities and it's important to consider factors such as typing style, sound preference, and desired tactile feel when making your decision.
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