Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. HMX Poro

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Poro are both compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The New North Pole V2 stands out for its frictionless typing feel and polished smoothness, offering users a crisp experience devoid of a rubber dampener, which enhances its overall tactile feedback. This switch has become a favorite among those who prioritize a seamless glide for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Poro switches shine with their silky smooth keystrokes, achieved through meticulous lubrication that ensures an effortless glide. Their ultra-light actuation force not only contributes to a satisfying typing experience, but also produces a uniquely poppy and clacky sound profile that many users find appealing. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their distinct characteristics offer a different kind of satisfaction in typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

HMX Poro Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Poro showcase a distinct contrast in their housing materials, which significantly affects their sound profiles and aesthetics. The New North Pole V2 employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice is intentional, as polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and clarity, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its translucence enhances the switch’s compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing vibrant illumination to shine through. On the other hand, the HMX Poro features nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon’s softer nature contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, absorbing sound effectively and creating a more rounded auditory experience. Thus, these divergent materials lend themselves to very different tactile and auditory experiences when typing.

When we examine the acoustic impacts of each switch design further, we can see how the varying characteristics of the housing materials play a crucial role. For the New North Pole V2, the stiffer polycarbonate creates a sharper sound when the key is released, offering a notable contrast to the bottom-out sound. Since both the top and bottom housings rely on polycarbonate’s properties, users can expect a consistent sound demeanor throughout the entire keystroke. Meanwhile, the HMX Poro, with its nylon housing, will exhibit a unified sound profile that delivers a consistent, deep resonance when typing and upon bottoming out. The softer characteristics of nylon permit the Poro to create a muffled sound during actuation while maintaining a satisfying feedback.

Ultimately, despite their material disparities, both switches can be tailored to suit particular sound preferences and aesthetic desires, offering unique benefits to typists. Those preferring a crisper, brighter sound may be drawn to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate build, which is optimized for a clear auditory output and vibrant lighting effects. Conversely, users interested in a warmer, more muted sound experience may gravitate toward the HMX Poro’s nylon housing. While the distinct sound profiles lead to differing auditory experiences, the common aim of both materials is to enhance user satisfaction through tailored acoustics; however, they arrive at these results by leveraging the structural properties inherent to polycarbonate and nylon respectively.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The New North Pole V2 features a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HMX Poro's lighter 45 grams, making the Poro feel easier to press down during use. This difference in actuation force may lead to a more fatigue-free typing experience during prolonged usage for those who favor lighter switches. Additionally, the bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 is 62.5 grams, which again is heavier than the Poro's 50 grams bottom out force. Thus, users who prefer a more substantial feel and feedback while typing may gravitate towards the New North Pole V2 for its heavier forces, while those seeking a gentler touch may find the HMX Poro more suitable. Overall, choosing between these two switches will largely depend on the user's preference for either a lighter or a heavier switch experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the New North Pole V2 features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the New North Pole V2 may provide a more pronounced key press, which some users prefer for the tactile feedback and deeper feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their switches. On the other hand, the Poro's shorter 3.7 mm travel distance can lead to quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers seeking rapid actuations. Therefore, those who prioritize responsiveness might lean towards the HMX Poro, while users who enjoy a more traditional and deeper pressing experience might opt for the Gateron New North Pole V2.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch and the HMX Poro switch, there's a noticeable distinction that aligns with their designs. The New North Pole V2 is engineered for a crisp auditory feedback, primarily due to its lack of a rubber dampener. This results in a clean, clear sound when the key is actuated, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke noise without the muffled tones that a dampener typically provides. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch boasts a more poppy and clacky sound that enhances the overall typing experience, thanks to its ultra-light actuation force. This characteristic can provide a sprightly auditory feedback that some users may find more engaging and enjoyable, particularly in a gaming or fast-typing scenario. However, both switches' sound output can significantly vary based on the keyboard model and keycap selection, making it important to consider these factors when assessing their overall performance.

In terms of feel, both switches excel in delivering a buttery smooth typing experience, albeit through slightly different mechanisms. The New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its polished and frictionless design, allowing for an exceptionally effortless key press that glides fluidly with minimal resistance. This creates an incredibly comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged use. The inclusion of a creamy sensation further enhances its appeal by providing a silky touch that feels luxurious beneath the fingers. On the other hand, while the specific tactile qualities of the HMX Poro switches weren't detailed, their meticulous lubrication suggests that they likely offer a similarly smooth feel. The emphasis on an effortless glide hints at a focus on minimizing friction and maximizing comfort, which aligns closely with the attributes of the New North Pole V2. Thus, it’s reasonable to assume both switches could provide a satisfying experience in terms of tactile feedback for typists and gamers alike.

In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and HMX Poro linear switches both prioritize smoothness in feel, offering users a high-quality typing experience with little friction and comfortable key travel. The New North Pole V2 delivers a crisp sound profile with a polished typing experience, while the HMX Poro stands out with its poppy acoustics and silky keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing aesthetics, but users can expect a satisfying and engaging typing experience from either choice. Whether one leans towards the refined sound of the New North Pole V2 or the lively auditory feedback of the Poro, both options warrant consideration in the pursuit of the perfect mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams and prefer a polished, creamy feel that provides a frictionless typing experience, the New North Pole V2 is the clear choice. This switch excels in environments where you might want more feedback and stability while maintaining a smooth glide, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the HMX Poro linear switch caters to those who enjoy effortless keystrokes combined with a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound. This switch is perfect for extended typing sessions or casual gaming, where reduced fatigue is a priority and you prefer a more playful auditory experience. Ultimately, your selection should reflect what you find most comfortable and enjoyable in your typing or gaming setup, allowing you to achieve the perfect balance between feel, sound, and performance.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

HMX Poro Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more