Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that offer different typing experiences. The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea are two linear switches that exemplify this duality. The New North Pole V2 captivates users with its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, having discarded the rubber dampener of its predecessor for a crisper typing experience—ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness and smoothness in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea boasts an impeccably smooth typing sensation complemented by a neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who seek an unobtrusive auditory experience while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences, highlighting the importance of personal touch in keyboard performance. 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea switches feature polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances sound clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This material's translucency also allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing for those who enjoy illuminated keyboards. Since both switches share this characteristic in their top housing, users can expect similar high-frequency sound profiles and visual aesthetics when using these switches together.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials for these two switches diverge significantly, impacting both sound and feel during operation. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, ensuring that it maintains the high-sound qualities associated with this material. The overall sound experience, especially when bottoming out, will thus retain the same sharp and clear characteristics. Meanwhile, the Haimu Orange Sea employs nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, contributing to a deeper and rounder auditory experience when compared to polycarbonate. Therefore, users will notice a distinct contrast in the sound quality when bottoming out on the Orange Sea switch due to the nylon’s inherent dampening properties.
When both switches are engaged, the variations in housing materials create a composite sound experience. With the New North Pole V2 maintaining a cohesive sound through both its polycarbonate housings, its tonal quality remains bright and resonant throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea's dual-material approach leads to a blend of sound characteristics, where the crispness from the polycarbonate top is complemented by the deeper notes produced by the nylon bottom. This means that while the top of each switch shares a common auditory signature, the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the materials used in the bottom housing. This interplay creates a unique typing experience that users will appreciate depending on their sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both the actuation force and the bottom out force. The New North Pole V2 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which caters to those who favor a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. As a result, the Orange Sea is the lighter switch, while the New North Pole V2 is on the heavier side. This distinction allows users to select a switch that aligns with their preferences for typing experience and application.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the Gateron switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Haimu switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience a more pronounced depth with the New North Pole V2, making it potentially more suitable for those who appreciate a hearty feel in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Orange Sea's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time that may appeal more to gamers looking for rapid actuation. Thus, those who prefer a sharper, more responsive typing experience should consider the shorter Orange Sea switch, while those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile feel may opt for the longer travel distance provided by the New North Pole V2.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches are noted for their neutral sound signature. Users typically appreciate the crisp typing experience they provide, though specific details on the loudness or ping sound are not explicitly mentioned. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are also characterized by a neutral sound signature. This suggests that both switches produce similar auditory experiences, making them well-suited for a quieter typing environment. However, it’s worth mentioning that sound can be influenced by various factors like the choice of keyboard plate, case materials, and keycap profiles, so the ultimate sound experience might still vary between the two.
Regarding feel, the New North Pole V2 switches stand out for their polished, creamy, and frictionless qualities, which create a smooth and refined typing experience. The removal of the rubber dampener enhances their crispness without sacrificing the loved seamless glide that typists cherish. This results in a luxurious typing experience with minimal resistance and a nearly effortless keypress. In contrast, the specific feel attributes of the Haimu Orange Sea switches have not been detailed, leaving an unknown aspect in the comparison. However, since they are noted for their impeccably smooth typing feel, they likely share some similarities with the New North Pole V2s, particularly in providing a fluid keystroke experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches offer a refined typing experience, with the New North Pole V2s being highlighted for their crispness and frictionless feel, while the Orange Sea maintains an impressive smoothness that remains undefined in further tactile descriptions. Both switches feature a neutral sound signature, making them appealing for users seeking a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, either choice is likely to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, with the Gateron switches leaning more towards defining characteristics while the specific nuances of the Haimu remain a point of curiosity.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, it’s crucial to consider your typing preferences and use case scenarios. If you favor a typing experience that strikes a balance between resistance and smoothness, the New North Pole V2 is a solid choice, especially for those who enjoy a moderate bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and a crisper feel without the distraction of a rubber dampener. This switch is ideal for those who typers who appreciate a refined, polished glide coupled with a frictionless experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, especially for gaming or extended typing sessions, the Haimu Orange Sea with its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force may be more suitable. These switches offer an impeccably smooth typing experience and a neutral sound, making them perfect for users looking for a softer keystroke with less resistance. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a medium, well-defined typing feel or a lighter, effortless press to suit your needs.
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