Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Sunset Gleam each present compelling options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The New North Pole V2 stands out with its refined design, eliminating the rubber dampener found in its predecessor while ensuring a crisper typing experience. Users enjoy its polished, creamy, and frictionless glide that has defined the North Pole lineup, making it a go-to choice for those looking for smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, offers a unique typing experience characterized by its blend of materials that provide a satisfying clack at top-out, coupled with factory lube that enhances overall smoothness. While the New North Pole V2 is ideal for typists seeking precision and effortless keystrokes, the Sunset Gleam caters to users who appreciate tactile feedback and a more engaging sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your individual preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Sunset Gleam share a commonality in the material used for their top housings; both switches employ polycarbonate, a choice that inherently influences their sound profile. This shared material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound character, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness. The translucent nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches—making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting—but also ensures a resonant and clear auditory feedback. When utilizing either switch, users can expect a similar sound experience upon releasing a key, as the properties inherent in polycarbonate will remain constant.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches, which leads to varied acoustic characteristics during operation. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the tonal profile established by its top housing, thereby reinforcing the high-pitched sound. This cohesion between the top and bottom materials contributes to a coherent auditory experience that is sharply defined. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam employs a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its softer and more absorbent qualities. This difference results in a deeper, rounder sound profile when the key bottoms out, highlighting how the properties of nylon soften the overall auditory experience in ways that polycarbonate cannot.

Consequently, the differing materials in the bottom housings create a split in how each switch conveys sound and feel. While both switches offer a crisp and clear auditory experience from their polycarbonate top housings upon key release, the acoustic variations become apparent when the key is pressed down. The New North Pole V2 maintains a consistently pronounced sound due to its unified use of polycarbonate, whereas the Sunset Gleam introduces a fuller sound profile owing to its nylon bottom housing. Thus, although both switches provide high-pitched responses due to their common top housing material, the sensations experienced while typing are necessarily distinct due to the differences in the bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The New North Pole V2 requires a higher actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Gleam has a lighter actuation force of just 42 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 is 62.5 grams, which is also heavier than the Sunset Gleam's bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that while both switches serve the purpose of a linear experience, the New North Pole V2 provides a firmer push-back at the bottom, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. In summary, the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option, ideal for longer use, and the New North Pole V2, being heavier, caters to those who appreciate a stronger key feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance suggests distinct experiences for users: those who choose the New North Pole V2 may appreciate the traditional, deeper feel of a 4 mm switch, which can provide a satisfying tactile feedback when typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Gleam may be appealing to gamers who value quicker response times, as a 3.5 mm distance allows for faster actuation. This means that while both switches cater to different preferences—depth versus speed—those who prefer a more responsive feel would gravitate toward the Sunset Gleam due to its shorter travel distance, whereas others might find the New North Pole V2 more comfortable for prolonged use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is noted for its unique auditory signature; while specific details weren't provided, the absence of a rubber dampener implies a sharper and more pronounced sound when the switch bottoms out, contrasting possibly with softer switch designs. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam aims for a more balanced auditory experience, featuring a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack that may appeal to those who enjoy a noticeable yet controlled sound profile. Ultimately, the sound characteristics of both switches can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap choices, and users can optimize their sound experience through careful component selection.

In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 stands out with its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. The refined finish and factory lubing contribute to a smooth key travel that feels effortless, allowing for a luxurious tactile sensation with each stroke. This type of feel is particularly appreciated by typists who value a slick and seamless experience. The specifics of the Sunset Gleam's feel haven't been highlighted; however, the switch is known for a perfect blend of materials which may suggest it also delivers a smooth typing experience, possibly incorporating elements of lightness and subtle satisfaction similar to linear switches. Without explicit descriptors, the exact feel remains unknown but may still resonate well with users looking for a refined typing experience.

Overall, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The New North Pole V2 is praised for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, providing a sublime typing experience that users have come to cherish. Meanwhile, the Sunset Gleam presents a sound profile that favors subtlety with a satisfying auditory feedback. While the New North Pole V2's auditory aspects are less detailed, the choice between these switches could ultimately boil down to personal preference in feel and sound. Both switches have the potential to deliver a rewarding experience, making either a worthy consideration for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and crave a crisp and frictionless typing experience, then the New North Pole V2 is the ideal choice for you. It’s designed for those who enjoy a polished and creamy feel, offering a seamless glide that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a softer bottom-out force and appreciate a satisfying clack sound, the Sunset Gleam might be more your speed. This switch provides an enjoyable balance of tactile feedback and smoothness, thanks to its excellent factory lube. Your decision should align with how you want your keyboard to feel during use; whether you favor a crisper, more polished sensation or a softer, more satisfying sound profile will dictate the best switch for your setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more