Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options from Gateron are the New North Pole V2 and the Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which offer unique benefits for typists and gamers alike. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its frictionless typing feel, providing a polished and creamy experience that is further enhanced by the absence of a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper keystroke. This makes it a prime choice for those who prioritize smoothness and responsiveness in their typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents an exceptional value with its medium-weight all-POM construction, delivering a delightful thocky sound profile along with remarkable smoothness, which may appeal to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences and demands, making the choice between them a matter of personal taste. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilize distinctly different materials for their housing, which ultimately influences the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and leads to a clearer auditory experience. Additionally, its translucent quality makes it particularly advantageous for applications with RGB lighting, as the illumination can shine through, highlighting the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie incorporates POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is characterized by its ability to create a unique and pleasing sound profile that tends to be deeper and more muted compared to polycarbonate. As such, the auditory response of the Sea Salt Smoothie significantly differs from that of the New North Pole V2, offering a more subdued typing experience. The use of POM brings its own aesthetic value, though it lacks the translucency that allows for enhanced RGB effects, resulting in a different visual appeal.
When comparing these two switches, it is essential to recognize the implications of their housing materials on the overall typing experience. The Gateron New North Pole V2 achieves a consistently crisp sound due to the rigidity of both its top and bottom polycarbonate housings, ensuring a uniform auditory output throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more versatile but muted sound experience, as its POM materials lend themselves to distinct auditory qualities that differ based on the housing locations. Therefore, though both switches are well-crafted and deliver pleasant sound profiles, the choice between them will hinge on personal preference regarding sound dynamics and visual flair, especially in environments utilizing RGB lighting.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer a comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces that may appeal to different user preferences. The New North Pole V2 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a medium-weight option that strikes a balance between comfort and resistance, catering to those who enjoy a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, which leaves some uncertainty about its overall feel when pressed completely down. Consequently, users looking for a consistent typing experience with clear feedback might favor the New North Pole V2, whereas those seeking a lighter actuation may lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie for ease during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the New North Pole V2 offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem nominal, but it can have notable implications for user experience. The New North Pole V2, with its traditional 4 mm travel, provides a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their key presses. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s 3.7 mm travel distance offers a more responsive experience that could be ideal for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 produces a clear and crisp acoustic profile, thanks to the absence of a rubber dampener that typically reduces noise. This contributes to a sharper sound when typing, which many users appreciate as it enhances the tactile feedback of each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by its thocky sound, offering a deeper and more resonant auditory experience. This unique sound profile provides a satisfying auditory feedback that some users might find more enjoyable compared to the more pronounced sound of the New North Pole V2. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound signatures that can be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When considering the feel of each switch, the New North Pole V2 excels with its polished, creamy, and frictionless characteristics. The polished finish ensures a refined typing experience, while the creamy texture adds a buttery smoothness to each keystroke. The frictionless design minimizes resistance, allowing for seamless key travel that feels effortless. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie is also known for its exceptional smoothness, although its specific feel qualities have not been detailed. Users may experience a different type of satisfaction, with the Smoothie focusing on a medium-weight feel, providing a balance that many typists enjoy. Overall, while the New North Pole V2 clearly stands out with a variety of refined feel descriptors, the Sea Salt Smoothie's smoothness is certainly noteworthy.
In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The New North Pole V2 is praised for its crisp sound and an exceptional typing experience characterized by polished and frictionless attributes. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a thocky sound that is satisfying to many users, alongside a smooth typing sensation. Though their specifics might differ, both switches offer high-quality performance that can be appreciated by keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between them will come down to personal preferences in sound and tactile experience, and either option is likely to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and desired experience. If you prioritize a polished and frictionless typing feel, the New North Pole V2 is an excellent option. Its medium actuation force of 62.5 grams provides a balanced tactile feedback that many typists enjoy, making it suitable for extended typing sessions while still delivering a crisp sound. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique thocky sound profile and a creamy typing sensation, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better choice for you. This switch delivers a different auditory experience along with a smooth glide, perfect for those who appreciate a tactile response blended with character in the sound of their keystrokes. In essence, if you desire a more traditional, refined experience with robust performance, the New North Pole V2 is your best bet; however, if you lean towards a sound-centric and buttery feel, go for the Sea Salt Smoothie. Your personal typing style and environment should guide your final decision, ensuring that whichever switch you choose enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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