Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When delving into the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches significantly influences the typing experience. Two compelling options embody unique qualities: the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its crisp typing experience, enhanced by the absence of a rubber dampener, which allows for a frictionless glide that many users adore. Its polished and creamy characteristics promise an enjoyable tactile response that is satisfying for those who enjoy a lively interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on delivering a quiet typing experience that is perfect for shared workspaces or late-night sessions, offering a balanced 53g bottom-out force that makes every keystroke feel light yet substantial. Choosing between these switches largely depends on whether you prioritize a lively typing sensation or the tranquility of whispers as you type. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 - 53g, one notable distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more articulate auditory experience, especially if RGB lighting is involved, as polycarbonate is translucent and enhances the visual performance of the lighting. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its capacity to suppress higher frequencies, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material absorbs sound better than polycarbonate, making the typing experience feel rounder and more muted.
While the top housings contrast in terms of material and resultant sound characteristics, the bottom housings of both switches share a similarity. Both the New North Pole V2 and the Silent Sakura - 53g employ polycarbonate in their bottom housings, offering a consistent sound quality that is high-pitched and resonant. This commonality means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, the bottom housing of both switches will provide a sharper bottom-out sound that contributes to their overall typing experience. Therefore, the distinctive sound profiles emerge from the combination of these materials, with the bottom section imparting a consistent clarity while the top section adjusts the acoustic flavor based solely on its material properties.
Overall, the interplay of different materials in the housing of these switches plays a crucial role in defining their audio and tactile experiences. The contrasting sounds created by the nylon and polycarbonate top housings highlight personal preferences in keyboard acoustics—whether one prefers the sharper, more articulate sounds of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted tones characteristic of nylon. Ultimately, users may find that even with disparate upper housing materials, the shared polycarbonate bottom housing allows for a cohesive auditory effect that still delivers satisfaction across typing sessions. This is a perfect example of how switching materials can influence the overall typing experience in nuanced ways, while also balancing out the auditory characteristics through strategic combinations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are distinct differences in both metrics. The New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than the 45 grams required for the Silent Sakura, making the latter the lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 reaches 62.5 grams, compared to the Silent Sakura's bottom out force of 53 grams. This further reinforces the idea that the Silent Sakura offers a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for users who prefer less strain during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier forces of the New North Pole V2 may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. Ultimately, while the Silent Sakura is designed for a more effortless typing experience, the New North Pole V2 provides a firmer, more robust feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches provide a similar feel in terms of key presses, appealing to users who appreciate consistent key travel across their keyboard. Since the travel distances are the same, users can expect equivalent performance in terms of the distance traveled when engaged with 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 - 53g 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 comparing the sound between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, the New North Pole V2 is distinguished for its crisp typing experience due to the absence of a rubber dampener, which provides a more pronounced keystroke sound. The lack of dampening may lead to a slightly more audible click upon bottoming out compared to traditional linear switches, though it still maintains a relatively subdued profile. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered specifically for a whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of soft raindrops, making it ideal for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a stealthy typing experience. The Silent Sakura's design focuses heavily on minimizing any audible feedback, which stands in direct contrast to the more pronounced sound of the New North Pole V2.
In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its polished, creamy, and frictionless qualities. Users will enjoy a refined and smooth typing experience due to the high-quality materials and finish, which contribute to a seamless glide with reduced friction. The creamy sensation provides a buttery typing experience, making keystrokes feel almost effortless as one types. On the other hand, the tactile feedback and overall feel of the Silent Sakura switches remain unspecified, leaving an element of mystery regarding their tactile response and smoothness; however, the balanced 53g bottom-out force suggests a well-calibrated pressure that should offer a satisfying keystroke for typists who appreciate a light yet firm press.
Overall, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel within the realm of linear switches. The New North Pole V2 prioritizes a crisp typing experience with a pronounced sound, appealing to those who value audible feedback, while the Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on providing an ultra-quiet and light keystroke ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on the user's priorities between sound and tactile feel, each switch offers unique benefits that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a more robust typing experience and enjoy the sensation of a heavier keystroke, the New North Pole V2 is your go-to option. With its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, you can expect a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel that enhances your typing efficiency, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and fast-paced typing tasks. In contrast, if you are in a quieter environment, such as an office, or you prefer a lighter and gentler keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g would be the ideal switch for you. With a bottom-out force of 53 grams, these switches are designed for a whisper-quiet typing experience, ensuring minimal sound disruption while still providing a satisfying response. Moreover, the soft touch of the Silent Sakura means that you can type for extended periods without fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should reflect both your typing style and the ambiance in which you plan to use your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
