Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Sky V4 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its polished and creamy feel, providing a frictionless typing experience while maintaining a crisp response due to the absence of a rubber dampener. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out for utilizing POK material in its top housing, resulting in a deeper sound profile alongside its smooth linear action. While the New North Pole V2 boasts a seamless glide and smoothness, the Sky V4 offers a thocky and bouncy feel. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Sky V4, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. Polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for a clear housing that allows RGB lighting to shine through. On the other hand, the Sky V4 boasts a POK top housing, known for its incredibly smooth feel and durability. While both materials offer unique advantages, users can expect a crisp and resonant sound from the New North Pole V2, and a smoother, clackier experience from the Sky V4.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing. This results in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with a sharper and clearer tone when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the Sky V4 utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. With nylon's softer composition, it absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Sky V4 offer distinct sound profiles and feels, both switches prioritize durability and performance. The polycarbonate components of the New North Pole V2 deliver a sharp and resonant sound, perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts, while the POK and nylon materials of the Sky V4 prioritize smoothness and a deeper sound experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic features.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches, it is evident that the Sky V4 is lighter in both aspects. The New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Sky V4 more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a slightly heavier typing feel, which may be preferred by those who desire a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, so while the typing experience may differ slightly between the two, users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Dareu Sky V4 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing or gaming experience for some users. Those who prefer a quicker response time may opt for the Dareu Sky V4 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Gateron New North Pole V2 with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a different feel when pressed, so it's essential to consider your personal preferences when choosing between the two.
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 Dareu Sky V4 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V4 for $4.76.
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 known for providing a neutral and low-pitched sound profile. This switch produces a satisfying thocky sound when pressed, offering a deep and rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch stands out with a deeper sound signature thanks to the innovative use of POK material in its top housing. Typists can expect a thocky sound with a low-pitched tone that complements the smooth linear action of the switch.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is characterized by a polished and creamy typing experience. The switch offers reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek and refined sensation when typing. With a frictionless design, users can expect effortless keystrokes with minimal resistance. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, giving typists a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation. This bounciness adds a lively feel to the typing experience, providing rebound when keys are pressed.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The New North Pole V2 provides a smooth and polished typing experience with a neutral and low-pitched sound profile, while the Sky V4 offers a deeper sound signature and a bouncy feel for those who prefer more tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of smoothness and satisfaction with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a polished, creamy, or frictionless feel, the New North Pole V2 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a switch with a bouncy feel and thocky, neutral, or low-pitched sound profile, the Dareu Sky V4 could be the optimal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and overall feel.
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