Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that stands out for its crisper typing experience, as it no longer has a rubber dampener. However, this change does not compromise the frictionless typing feel that the North Pole lineup is known for. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is also a linear switch but has been specifically designed for quieter environments. It provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making it perfect for those who require a quieter typing experience. While these general pointers give you an idea of what each switch offers, 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
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of their composition. The New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it suitable for gamers or typists seeking a more tactile experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing. This blend offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While not overly sharp, the INK blend provides a pointed sound profile ideal for those who prefer a distinctive auditory feedback.
When it comes to the functionality of the housing materials, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. As a result, the qualities of the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 or the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black will be more prominent in the bottom-out sound and sensation. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when the key is released. Whether it is the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 or the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black, the material chosen contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch.
Although the materials used for the top and bottom housings of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black vary, both switches aim to provide a pleasing and distinctive sound experience. The polycarbonate and the proprietary INK blend bring their own unique characteristics to these switches, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. While the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing offers a stiffer and more resonant feel, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend delivers a satisfying clacky sound. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize providing users with a tactile and auditory experience that enhances their typing or gaming endeavors. Therefore, regardless of the choice, users can expect similar results in terms of the attention to sound and overall satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The New North Pole V2 has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke on the V2. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier force of 70 grams, whereas the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the New North Pole V2 is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silent Ink Black is slightly heavier, offering a heavier and more satisfying typing experience. However, if one is looking for a similar result, both switches fall within the medium actuation and bottom out force range, providing a balanced typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key, users will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance for both switches. Therefore, whether using the Gateron New North Pole V2 or the Gateron Silent Ink Black, the results in terms of travel distance will be similar.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 provided information. However, based on its predecessor and the removal of the rubber dampener, it is likely to produce a crisper and potentially louder sound compared to switches with dampeners. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as muted. This means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Ink Black switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for environments that require quieter typing. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also affected by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is described as having a frictionless typing feel. Despite the removal of the rubber dampener, it retains the seamless glide and smoothness that users love. Additionally, it is described as both polished and creamy, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience. The switch offers reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a silky sensation. Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is also described as polished and silky. This suggests that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
To summarize the available information, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while maintaining a frictionless and seamless glide. It offers a polished, creamy, and potentially silky feel, resulting in reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is specifically designed for environments that require quieter typing. It gives a muted sound and a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel. With a polished and potentially silky feel, it also delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience. While both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, the New North Pole V2 may have a crisper sound compared to the quietness of the Silent Ink Black. Despite these differences, if you are looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience, either switch can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a crisper typing experience with a frictionless glide, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is the choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, it offers a medium resistance. The New North Pole V2s no longer have a rubber dampener, resulting in a sleek and polished feel. The sound produced by these switches is not specifically described, so it is likely to be similar to a regular mechanical keyboard switch.
On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is your best bet. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a medium-heavy resistance. These switches are specifically designed for environments that necessitate minimal audio feedback. The Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel and a muted sound compared to regular switches. It is also described as silky and polished, providing smooth key travel and reducing friction.
Ultimately, your choice between the New North Pole V2 and the Silent Ink Black will depend on your preference for typing experience and noise level. If you prioritize a crisper feel with a frictionless glide, the New North Pole V2 is the way to go. However, if you require a quieter typing experience with a cushiony feel, the Silent Ink Black is the more suitable option. Both switches offer smooth key travel and a polished typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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