Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) 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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique experiences for users. The New North Pole V2 boasts a polished and creamy feel, with a frictionless typing experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches provide a clacky and resonant typing experience, made even smoother by the impeccable factory lube job. While the New North Pole V2 offers a seamless glide and smoothness, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch provides a high-pitched and silky feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Standard
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), one significant difference is in the material used for the top housing. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) uses POM for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, their differences in stiffness and resonance lead to distinct auditory experiences for the user.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharp and clear sound profile similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) opts for a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This contrast highlights the impact that the bottom housing material can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch when compared to the top housing. While both materials offer different sound profiles, users may prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon based on personal preference.
In considering the overall typing experience, the combination of different housing materials in the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) results in a unique tactile and auditory experience for users. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced blend of sound profiles when pressing down and releasing a key. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Strawberry Wine (V2), both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials will depend on the individual's preference for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) only needs 50 grams. This means that the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch is lighter overall in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be a better choice. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the New North Pole V2 would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing force and feel. Both switches offer different experiences, so selecting the one that matches your typing style and preferences will result in a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the New North Pole V2 has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the New North Pole V2 is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a shallower key press experience, suitable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known to provide a quiet and smooth typing experience, with a focus on the seamless glide and smoothness that users appreciate. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a clacky and resonant typing sound, creating a sharp and snappy auditory experience. While the New North Pole V2 focuses on a quieter typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch leans towards a more pronounced and immersive sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the New North Pole V2 is praised for its polished and creamy typing sensation, with a refined finish that results in smooth and effortless keystrokes. The absence of a rubber dampener in these switches allows for a crisper typing experience while maintaining a frictionless feel that users have come to enjoy. Conversely, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a silky typing experience, with an impeccable factory lube job that enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke. This provides a sense of ease and fluidity when typing, making it a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter and polished feel with the New North Pole V2, or a more resonant and silky typing experience with the Strawberry Wine (V2), you can expect similar levels of smoothness and quality in your keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel profiles.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a clacky and resonant sound profile, as well as a silky smooth typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch would be the better option. Consider your typing preferences and priorities when making your decision between these two exceptional switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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