Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Snow are two options that stand out for their unique features. The New North Pole V2 boasts a crisper typing experience due to the removal of the rubber dampener, while still maintaining Gateron's signature frictionless typing feel. On the other hand, the Snow switch sets itself apart with its innovative use of POK material for a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear typing experience. While the New North Pole V2 is known for its polished and creamy feel, the Snow switch offers a thocky and bouncy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Snow, it is clear that both switches feature unique materials that contribute to their overall performance. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which results in a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, creating clear and resonant sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow features a POK top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POK material in the Snow switch is praised for its smoothness and durability, offering a clacky sound profile with exceptional wear resistance.
While the New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Snow differ in their housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through the unique qualities of their materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper sound profile and is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the POK top housing of the Snow offers a smoother typing experience with added durability, making it a top choice for those seeking a long-lasting switch. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Snow provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the impact that different materials can have on the overall typing sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Dareu Snow will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and durability. While the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing offers a crisp and resonant sound, the Snow's POK and nylon housings provide a smooth and clacky typing experience with added durability. Both switches excel in different areas, but users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance due to the careful selection of materials used in their construction.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch both have the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally responsive in triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 is slightly heavier at 62.5 grams compared to the Snow's 60 grams, offering a slightly more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium weight range, providing a balanced feel that can cater to a wide range of preferences. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, either switch would be a suitable choice. However, for users who enjoy a stronger push feel for more feedback, the New North Pole V2 may be the preferred option due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer a reliable performance with their similar actuation forces while providing a slightly different typing experience due to their varying bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Snow offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer a different feel when typing or gaming, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a more responsive feel, the Snow may be the better option, but if you prefer a more substantial key press, the New North Pole V2 may be more to your liking.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for providing a neutral and low-pitched sound profile, which can be further influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a unique thocky sound due to its POK material construction, creating a deep and rich typing experience. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory feedback, with the Snow switch offering a more pronounced and bass-heavy sound compared to the more balanced sound of the New North Pole V2.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch boasts a polished and creamy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and refined key travel. The absence of a rubber dampener in the V2 model contributes to a frictionless typing feel, allowing for effortless key presses and reduced resistance. Conversely, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like sensation and lively feedback when pressed. While the New North Pole V2 emphasizes a polished and frictionless typing experience, the Snow switch focuses on providing a bouncy and responsive feel to users.
Overall, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Users looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with a neutral sound profile may prefer the New North Pole V2, while those seeking a deep and thocky sound with bouncy and spring-like feedback may lean towards the Dareu Snow switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that regardless of choice, users can expect high-quality performance and satisfaction in their typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch or the Dareu Snow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you prefer a crisper typing feel with a frictionless glide and smoothness, the New North Pole V2 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a deeper sound signature and a bouncy, spring-like feedback sensation while typing, then the Dareu Snow switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider what aspects of typing experience matter most to you when making your decision.
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