Cherry MX Red vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust and responsive typing experience that is both satisfying and tactile. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 by Gateron offers a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel due to the removal of its rubber dampener, while maintaining a polished and creamy typing experience that users love. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2, it is evident that they both offer unique characteristics based on their composition. The MX Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Furthermore, the bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Red and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 exhibit similar characteristics to their respective top housings, offering a consistent typing experience throughout the keystroke. While the materials may differ, both switches aim to enhance the overall sound profile and typing sensation by utilizing housing materials that complement each other, creating a harmonious blend of acoustics and tactile feedback.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the choice of housing material is crucial, especially for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The translucency of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2's housing allows for vibrant and dynamic lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the keyboard setup. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Cherry MX Red may not offer the same level of clarity and illumination when paired with RGB lighting. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches play a pivotal role in shaping the typing experience, offering users a range of options to cater to their individual preferences and needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that the MX Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams. However, the MX Red's bottom out force is unknown, while the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it heavier in comparison. This means that the MX Red may provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the New North Pole V2 offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This results in a similarly smooth and linear typing experience with both switches. Their equal travel distance ensures that typing on keyboards equipped with either switch will provide a similar level of key feel and actuation. So, in terms of travel distance, the Cherry MX Red and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches are on par with each other, offering a comparable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which some users may appreciate for the added friction during typing. Conversely, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch offers a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless key presses. The absence of a rubber dampener in the V2 version enhances the crispness of the typing feel, making it a popular choice among users who prefer a seamless glide.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Red and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches are linear switches offering a smooth keypress without tactile feedback or audible click, they differ in certain subjective qualities. The MX Red switch provides a heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, appealing to users looking for a robust typing experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch offers a crisper typing feel with a polished and creamy texture, ensuring a frictionless and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile with a classic Cherry switch, the MX Red may be the better option for you. However, if you are looking for a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel and smooth glide, the Gateron New North Pole V2 could be the switch of choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so explore both options to find the one that best suits your typing style.
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