Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. Both switches fall into the category of linear switches, which means they offer a smooth keystroke from top to bottom with no tactile bump or audible click. The New North Pole V2 is well-known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. It provides a crisp typing experience without a rubber dampener, yet still maintains the seamless glide and smoothness that Gateron is known for. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out as one of the most innovative switches in recent times. It boasts a semi-silent nature, producing whisper-quiet topping-out sounds while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, yet not overly polished. Both switches offer unique qualities and choosing the right one for you will depend on your specific preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to enhance the aesthetics of the switches. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing that provides a distinct and clear sound profile while also allowing for RGB lighting customization, both the New North Pole V2 and the Semi-Silent Linear would be suitable options.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the New North Pole V2 differs from the Semi-Silent Linear. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, offering the same benefits of a clear and resonant sound profile as mentioned earlier. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear incorporates a nylon bottom housing. This choice of material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound characteristic. Therefore, if you prioritize a switch with a softer and more muffled bottom-out sound, the Semi-Silent Linear would be the preferable option.
In summary, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, offering similar advantages in terms of sound profile and RGB lighting compatibility. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the New North Pole V2 maintains the use of polycarbonate, while the Semi-Silent Linear incorporates nylon. This leads to different sound characteristics, with the New North Pole V2 providing a clear and resonant sound, and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a deeper and fuller sound with a more muffled bottom-out effect.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, a few key differences can be observed. The actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is 50 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the New North Pole V2 at 62.5 grams and the Semi-Silent Linear at 62 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter feel would find the New North Pole V2 more suitable. Its lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push and more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear. While we do not have the exact actuation force for this switch, its medium bottom out force suggests a relatively similar experience to the New North Pole V2.
Overall, the New North Pole V2 boasts a known actuation force, making it suitable for those seeking a specific feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear remains a bit of a mystery in that regard. However, both switches offer a medium bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Gateron switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gateron switch being slightly deeper. However, the difference in travel distance may be negligible for some users. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Semi-Silent Linear a favorable option in this regard. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press and a sense of depth may opt for the Gateron switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 linear switch is not explicitly described in the given information. However, it is mentioned that the removal of the rubber dampener provides a crisper typing experience. This suggests that the switch may produce a louder and more pronounced sound compared to its predecessor. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as having a subdued sound when pressed, making it quieter than most switches. It offers a more subtle sound signature while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a quieter typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear may be a better choice.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its frictionless typing feel. The seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love are retained in this switch despite the removal of the rubber dampener. Additionally, it is described as either polished, creamy, or frictionless, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as having a mild, snappy, buttery, or polished feel. The mild characteristic suggests a gentle typing experience, while the snappy attribute indicates high responsiveness. The buttery and polished features imply a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. Therefore, both switches offer a smooth and effortless typing sensation, although they may differ slightly in terms of overall feel.
Taking into account the available information, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The New North Pole V2 is known for its frictionless typing feel and is likely to provide a crisper typing experience due to the removal of the rubber dampener. Alternatively, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its semi-silent sound profile, offering a more subtle and subdued typing experience. In terms of feel, both switches offer smooth and refined key travel, with the New North Pole V2 being described as either polished, creamy, or frictionless, and the Semi-Silent Linear described as mild, snappy, buttery, or polished. While there are some differences in sound and feel between the two switches, they both provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes a crisper typing experience, the Gateron New North Pole V2 may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be more suitable.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel. The New North Pole V2 offers a frictionless typing feel, providing a seamless glide and smoothness that users love. It is best known for its crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is one of the most innovative releases, offering a semi-silent topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It provides a silky smooth type feel without being over-polished.
If you prioritize a switch with a more subdued sound, the Semi-Silent Linear is a great choice. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, if you prefer a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes, the New North Pole V2 is a versatile option.
When it comes to feel, the New North Pole V2 is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. It offers a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a mild, snappy, buttery, or polished feel. It provides a gentle typing experience with characteristics that are approachable and responsive.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value a frictionless typing feel with a crisper sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 may be the switch for you. However, if you prefer a semi-silent sound with a silky smooth type feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch could be the better option. Consider your desired sound and feel when making your decision.
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