Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two compelling options tailored to different preferences. The New North Pole V2 excels with its frictionless typing feel and polished smoothness, creating an engaging experience for those who appreciate crisp keystrokes and seamless gliding during intense typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a delightful whisper-quiet operation, ideal for users seeking a serene atmosphere while typing; its ultra-light bottom-out force makes it particularly appealing for light typists who want to minimize noise without sacrificing performance. While the New North Pole V2 emphasizes a crisper feedback, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a gentle and tranquil experience. Thus, while both switches offer linear characteristics, their unique traits cater to different typing environments and styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, a significant difference can be observed in the materials used for their top housings. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality is particularly appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, especially in setups with RGB lighting, as the clear material allows for vibrant backlighting. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is built with a nylon top housing that tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a mellower and deeper tone. This distinction leads to a fundamentally different typing experience, where the polycarbonate offers a more resonant sound, while the nylon promotes a more subdued, muted auditory presence.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a similarity that enhances potential consistency in sound profiles. Both the New North Pole V2 and Silent Sakura - 43g use polycarbonate for their bottom housings, which again is characterized by stiffness that supports a sharp and clear acoustical output. The choice of polycarbonate in this component means that both switches can achieve similar crispness in the bottom-out sound, which can appeal to typists looking for that tactile feedback. While the upper housings differ in material and consequently in the sound they produce, the uniformity in the bottom housing allows for the delivery of a coherent auditory experience when the switch is fully engaged.
Overall, the varied top housing materials of each switch create distinct sound qualities, while their matching bottom housings serve as a unifying factor in the overall typing experience. The New North Pole V2's polycarbonate top brings a bright, high-pitched sound, ideal for users who enjoy a louder keypress, whereas the Silent Sakura's nylon top softens the auditory feedback, catering to those seeking a quieter operation. Nonetheless, the commonality in their bottom housings suggests that when pressed down, both switches will provide a similar sharpness in sound, balancing the contrasting sound profiles established by their individual top materials. Thus, while their materials lead to different aesthetics and experiences, the switches can still yield similar sound results in certain respects, depending on how they are engaged.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch with the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, giving it a heavier feel that many may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter configuration makes the Silent Sakura - 43g more suitable for users who favor an effortless typing experience, potentially reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. Overall, while the New North Pole V2 is designed for those who appreciate a firmer typing experience, the Silent Sakura appeals to those seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback in terms of key press depth, making them equally responsive for typing or gaming. Since the travel distances are the same, users can expect a comparable feel when using either switch.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches are characterized by their crispness, delivering a sharp and clear keystroke tone that enhances the typing experience. The elimination of the rubber dampener contributes to this auditory clarity, allowing the user to enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback with every press. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are engineered for an ultra-quiet operation, reminiscent of delicate raindrops. This whisper-quiet characteristic makes them ideal for environments where noise may be disruptive, yet the precise sound profile of the Silent Sakura is not explicitly detailed.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches excel in providing a refined and polished experience. Users can expect a creamy, frictionless movement as they glide effortlessly from key to key. The smoothness is attributed to the high-quality materials and craftsmanship, resulting in minimal resistance during typing. In contrast, details about the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g switches are not available, leaving some uncertainty about how they might compare in smoothness and tactile response. However, given the ultra-light force required for actuation, it's likely that they offer a unique but lighter typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches cater to distinct preferences within the linear switch spectrum. While the New North Pole V2 offers a crisp sound and a polished, frictionless feel, the Silent Sakura assures a quieter operation tailored for serene environments. Despite some uncertainty surrounding the Silent Sakura's tactile attributes, those seeking either a pronounced auditory feedback or a whisper-quiet typing experience will find satisfaction, though the specific comparison of feel would be speculative without additional information.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force that delivers a polished and creamy typing experience, along with a frictionless glide, the New North Pole V2 would be an excellent fit. This switch is particularly suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing and desire a crisp response with minimal resistance; it's ideal for both general use and gaming where performance matters. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter typing experience—perhaps in a shared workspace or a home office where noise is a concern—the Silent Sakura - 43g is your go-to option. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it caters to light typists looking for gentler keystrokes that create minimal sound, making it perfect for those who focus on a serene typing environment. Ultimately, consider your priorities: opt for the New North Pole V2 for a responsive experience or the Silent Sakura for quiet endurance.
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