Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Huano Sakura linear switches offer distinct yet appealing options. The New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its frictionless typing feel and crisper feedback, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a smooth and engaging experience without the traditional rubber dampener. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura excels with its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, providing comfort for prolonged typing sessions while still maintaining a satisfying response. While the New North Pole V2 prioritizes a seamless glide and polished experience, the Sakura focuses on a plush feel that minimizes fatigue over time. Ultimately, each switch has unique advantages that cater to different preferences and typing styles; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Huano Sakura switches, it becomes evident that they utilize different materials that contribute uniquely to their acoustic and tactile profiles. The New North Pole V2 employs a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile due to the material's inherent stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant auditory experience that can be further enhanced when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a POK (polyketone) top housing and nylon bottom housing, which introduces a different texture and sound. The POK material offers smoothness and durability while contributing a clacky sound profile, contrasting with the duller sound produced by the nylon used in the bottom housing.
The differences in bottom housing materials also create distinct auditory experiences between these two switches. The Gateron New North Pole V2’s all-polycarbonate design leads to a uniform sound profile characterized by its high-pitched resonance. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that contrasts with the sharper tones of the polycarbonate. The nylon's soft material helps to soften the auditory impact, suggesting that while the top housing influences the sound on release, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel significantly. This split in material choices emphasizes how the character of each switch is a blending of acoustic and tactile experiences, resulting from the dueling properties of the materials used.
Despite these differences, if the acoustics and tactile feedback are the primary focus, users might find a compromise in experience. Both switches can yield satisfactory typing experiences, albeit with different auditory profiles. While the New North Pole V2 excels with pronounced, higher-pitched sounds, the Sakura’s combination of materials creates a more muted, subdued auditory signature. Thus, enthusiasts can achieve a pleasing typing feel and sound from both switches, although they will experience varying degrees of sharpness versus warmth. The diversity in materials represents the unique attributes each switch offers, catering to different user preferences while providing satisfying results in distinct ways.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The New North Pole V2 requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, placing it firmly in the light-weight category. This difference in weight can significantly impact typing experience; users who prefer a lighter switch may find the Sakura more comfortable for extended use, reducing finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the New North Pole V2 due to its heavier resistance, providing a firmer touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and usage duration.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it is evident that there is a noticeable difference. The New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Gateron switch provides a more traditional feel, which can appeal to users who prefer deeper keypresses for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Huano switch's shorter travel distance caters to those who favor quicker actuation and responsiveness, making it ideal for gamers seeking immediate feedback. Thus, while both switches can deliver satisfying results based on individual preferences, the New North Pole V2 is the longer option, offering a more substantial keystroke, whereas the Sakura stands out with its shorter travel for faster keystroke actuation.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 New North Pole V2 linear switch has a neutral profile, resulting in a typing experience that is relatively quiet and unobtrusive. This characteristic may make it appealing for those who prefer a less noisy environment or are in shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch offers medium acoustics, which means it strikes a balance between being quiet and providing some audible feedback. This sound profile can enhance the typing experience by creating a more engaging environment without being overly loud, making it suitable for longer typing sessions.
When considering the feel of these switches, the New North Pole V2 excels in delivering a polished, creamy, and frictionless experience. The smooth and refined finish allows for seamless keystrokes, providing a nearly effortless typing sensation that users have come to appreciate. The sensation is akin to gliding across the keys, creating a fluidity that is often sought after in high-quality mechanical switches. In contrast, while information about the feel of the Huano Sakura switch is currently unknown, its feather-light touch suggests a potentially enjoyable experience focused on ease of use, particularly beneficial during lengthy typing sessions.
In conclusion, between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Huano Sakura linear switch, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The New North Pole V2 is recognized for its smooth and polished typing experience with a quieter sound profile, while the Sakura provides a balanced auditory experience that may appeal during extended use. Ultimately, users looking for a crisp and frictionless typing session may lean towards the New North Pole V2, while those seeking a light touch with moderate acoustics might find the Sakura more to their liking. Each switch can provide satisfying results depending on individual typing styles and preferences, but awareness of their distinct characteristics will help you make an informed choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your preferences and typing habits should guide your decision. If you appreciate a firmer, crisper typing experience with a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, and you value a frictionless feel that allows for seamless key presses, then the New North Pole V2 is likely the better option for you. Its polished, creamy, and frictionless characteristics lend themselves well to a smooth and enjoyable typing journey, perfect for enthusiasts who prioritize sustained performance and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and anticipate long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura switch with its 45-gram bottom-out force may be more suited to your needs. Its feather-light action and medium acoustics create a comfortable environment for extended use while ensuring a more casual typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a robust, feedback-rich feel or a lightweight, easy-to-press action, making either switch a valid option depending on your unique typing style.
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