Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Gateron New North Pole V2 present intriguing options for enthusiasts and gamers alike, each with its own set of unique attributes. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is celebrated for its rapid response time, featuring a full-height linear action and low spring resistance that ensures instant actuation—essential for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. Its textured and thocky feel provides a satisfying feedback that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 takes a different approach by eliminating the rubber dampener from its predecessor, offering a crisper typing experience while maintaining a frictionless glide. This polished and creamy switch is ideal for users who prioritize smoothness and an effortless typing sensation. Both switches cater to distinct preferences—whether you're after high-speed performance or a fluid, smooth feel—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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch represent two contrasting philosophies in mechanical keyboard design, particularly in their choice of housing materials. The MX Speed Silver utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a well-regarded material known for producing a warmer, deeper sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a rounded and subdued auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, a material that yields a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This creates a more resonant sound, giving users an experience characterized by clarity and brightness, especially when driven by RGB lighting.
When examining these two switches, the differences in the top housing's material significantly affect the audible characteristics. The nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver imparts a full-bodied sound when keys are released, complementing its softer feel. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 provides a snap and clarity that is particularly noticeable when the keys are released, resulting in a distinctive high-pitched sound. Although both switches employ different materials and therefore produce different sound profiles, they each achieve a cohesive typing feel and auditory feedback that appeals to their user bases. This contrast underscores the importance of material choice in shaping the overall experience of a mechanical switch.
The bottom housing also plays a critical role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. The MX Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing reinforces its deep sound profile, contributing to the duller and rounder sound when the key bottoms out. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 complements its top housing by providing a crisper bottoming-out experience. Thus, while the switches differ significantly in terms of materials used, each switch hones its sound properties from the combination of both top and bottom housings. For those seeking specific auditory and tactile feedback, understanding the nuances of these materials can lead to a more informed choice between the MX Speed Silver and the Gateron New North Pole V2.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, a notable difference arises in their actuation forces. The MX Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer. While the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Speed Silver is unavailable, the Gateron New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a firmer stop when pressing keys fully down. Overall, those who favor a lighter touch may gravitate towards the MX Speed Silver, while those who prefer a more robust feel might opt for the Gateron New North Pole V2 due to its heavier actuation and distinct bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 features a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more substantial feel with deeper key presses. Users who prefer a more pronounced actuation or a hearty depth in their keystrokes may find the longer travel distance of the New North Pole V2 more appealing. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be the preferred choice, while those who appreciate a fuller keystroke might lean towards the Gateron switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver switch produces a thocky and low-pitched tone, delivering a deep and rich auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound profile can add an enjoyable acoustic element to your typing experience, often appealing to gamers who appreciate a satisfying auditory response. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch does not have an established sound profile in the provided information, so it's unclear how its noise levels compare. However, it’s important to note that the sound of any switch can be heavily influenced by factors like the keyboard frame and the type of keycaps used, suggesting that you may find both switches to yield satisfying auditory experiences depending on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is characterized by a textured sensation, meaning there is noticeable friction as you press down the keys. While some users appreciate this tactile feedback, others may prefer a smoother experience. Conversely, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is designed to offer a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, resulting in an effortlessly smooth typing experience. This stark contrast indicates that users may have significantly different preferences; gamers may appreciate the tactile feedback of the Speed Silver, while others might favor the silky sensation and smoothness of the New North Pole V2 for an uninterrupted typing flow.
In summary, while both switches are linear and cater to responsive speed with the MX Speed Silver optimized for rapid activation and the New North Pole V2 offering a frictionless glide, they diverge in auditory and tactile experiences. The Speed Silver brings a satisfying sound and a textured feel to the table, making it a contingent favorite for those who enjoy rich feedback and a tactile sensation. Meanwhile, the New North Pole V2 prioritizes a smooth, creamy typing experience, yet it is unclear how it performs in sound. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on your preference for auditory feedback and tactile sensation, ensuring that both switches can provide effective and enjoyable outcomes based on individual taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you are a gamer prioritizing speed, the MX Speed Silver is likely your best option. It offers a rapid response time with its low spring resistance, which can be crucial in fast-paced gaming scenarios where reaction time is everything. The textured feel of the Speed Silver, along with its thocky sound, adds an engaging tactile sensation that many gamers appreciate. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother and more refined typing experience, especially for long typing sessions or work tasks, the Gateron New North Pole V2 stands out. Its polished and creamy feel ensures a frictionless action that reduces finger fatigue, making it a great choice for those who type frequently throughout the day. The medium bottom-out force of the New North Pole V2 strikes a balance between enough resistance for a comfortable typing experience without being overly taxing, making it suitable for both occasional and extended use. Therefore, consider your primary use case—whether you favor speed in gaming or a smooth feel for typing—before making your final selection.
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