Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The New North Pole V2, a linear switch, stands out for its crisp typing experience and frictionless feel. Despite the removal of the rubber dampener, Gateron has managed to maintain the seamless glide and smoothness that users have grown to love. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, offers a medium-high level of tactility with its long, two-staged spring. Typing on these switches provides a deep, resonating thock sound that many users find satisfying. While these general pointers highlight the key features of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of housing materials, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.

While both switches share similarities in their top and bottom housings, the distribution of the qualities brought by each housing material differs. In the New North Pole V2, the qualities of the bottom housing have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will have a more significant influence on the sound when releasing a pressed key. This distinction means that users can expect slightly different tactile experiences depending on the switch they choose.

In terms of overall performance, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provide excellent sound profiles thanks to their polycarbonate housing materials. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic in the housings allows for a sharper and clearer sound, enhancing the typing experience. Additionally, the utilization of polycarbonate ensures compatibility with RGB lighting setups, adding a visual appeal to the switches. Therefore, while there may be slight differences in tactile experiences based on the distribution of the qualities between the top and bottom housings, users can expect similar high-quality results from both switches.

Weight

The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch possess similar actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a medium touch. The New North Pole V2 requires a force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring calls for a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a satisfying push feel for those seeking a substantial typing experience. Although the actuation force of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is slightly higher, the difference is minimal and may not significantly affect typing comfort. Therefore, users can expect similar results and enjoy a comparable typing experience when using either of these switches.

Travel distance

The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback during use, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Gateron New North Pole V2 or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its signature frictionless typing feel, which remains consistent despite the removal of the rubber dampener. This switch offers a crisp typing experience and maintains the seamless glide and smoothness that users love. As for sound, the information provided does not specify any particular descriptors for the New North Pole V2, so it is unknown how it sounds. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.

Considering the feel, the New North Pole V2 is known to have a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. This switch offers reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek sensation, making it feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has several descriptors for its feel. It is described as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. These descriptors imply that the Shadow (Ink) switch provides a high feedback intensity, a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, a super responsive experience, a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, and a mild two-stage tactile feel.

In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a frictionless typing feel with a crisper experience compared to its predecessor. The sound qualities of the switch are not specified in the information provided. The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as producing a clacky and high-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 provides a polished, creamy, and frictionless experience, while the Shadow (Ink) switch offers a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel. It is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps when choosing between these switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be an excellent choice. It offers a seamless glide and smoothness that users love, providing a frictionless typing feel. Additionally, the removal of the rubber dampener enhances the crispness of the typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be ideal. Its long, two-staged spring ensures a satisfying tactile bump with each keypress, without being overwhelming. Moreover, you can expect deep, resonating thocks while typing on these switches. In terms of sound, the New North Pole V2 has a sound profile that is yet to be described. However, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which can be sharp, crisp, and bright. When it comes to feel, the New North Pole V2 offers a polished, frictionless, and possibly creamy typing experience. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and potentially stepped feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the desired sound and feel during typing.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn more