Haimu Neo White vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron New North Pole V2 mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Neo White stands out for its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a distinctive typing experience categorized as mild and neutral. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 forgoes a rubber dampener for a crisper typing feel while maintaining a frictionless glide categorized as polished, creamy, and frictionless. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's explore beyond generalities so you can make the best decision for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Neo White has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning it with the top housing for a consistently sharp and crisp sound.
While both switches may use polycarbonate in their top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials showcases distinct sound profiles. The Neo White's nylon bottom housing offers a quieter, duller sound, allowing for a more rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 maintains the sharp and clear sound associated with polycarbonate, creating a consistent typing feel throughout the switch. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with the Neo White offering a softer touch and the New North Pole V2 providing a more resonant feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Haimu Neo White and the Gateron New North Pole V2 may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the difference in their bottom housing materials results in a variation in the sound and feel of typing. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the Neo White's nylon bottom housing or the consistent sharpness of the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch is None grams, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has an actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Neo White is 58 grams, and the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the New North Pole V2 is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Neo White. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Neo White may be the better option since it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what type of typing experience the user is looking for. If you prefer a lighter feel, the Neo White may provide similar results to the New North Pole V2 for those who prefer a heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Neo White's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers, while the New North Pole V2's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer different travel distances, with the Neo White being shorter and the New North Pole V2 being longer, but each can provide a unique typing feel based on individual preferences.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for most users in various settings. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users due to its safe middle-ground qualities. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches aim to offer a smooth typing experience, but the New North Pole V2 may provide a more refined and luxurious feel compared to the Neo White.
Overall, both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. While the Neo White offers a medium weight with a smooth actuation, the New North Pole V2 provides a crisp typing experience without a rubber dampener, maintaining its hallmark frictionless feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the slightly reduced total travel of the Neo White or the creamy and polished typing experience of the New North Pole V2. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable time spent on their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Haimu Neo White linear switch or the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel for a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Neo White may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch without a rubber dampener that provides a crisper typing experience while still maintaining a frictionless glide, the New North Pole V2 could be the ideal choice. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences and needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on what you prioritize most in your mechanical keyboard experience.