Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to varied preferences. The Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is celebrated for its frictionless typing feel and the absence of a rubber dampener, allowing for a crisper, polished experience that many users enjoy. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize smooth key presses and a creamy texture as they type. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch stands out with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, offering a slightly quieter acoustic profile while still delivering the clacky feedback characteristic of HMX switches. This makes it a fantastic choice for typists who appreciate a bit of auditory response without sacrificing smoothness. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Twilight switches utilize different housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The New North Pole V2 features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a choice that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This rigidity in polycarbonate amplifies the resonance, making it a suitable option for those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the HMX Twilight incorporates nylon in its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, as opposed to projecting it, creating a more muted and rounded auditory experience. These diverging materials highlight a fundamental difference in the character of both switches, prompting typists to choose based on their preferred sound quality.
While the top and bottom housings of the New North Pole V2 are both made from polycarbonate, reinforcing a consistent and sharp sound profile, the HMX Twilight's nylon construction delivers a more complex auditory experience due to its softer nature. The role of each housing becomes apparent during active use: with the Gateron New North Pole V2, users will experience a more resonant sound both on keypress and release, thanks to the properties of polycarbonate. However, with the nylon-based HMX Twilight, the punchiness of the keypress is undercut by a more subdued sound during release, creating a distinct acoustic environment. As a result, the contrasting materials lead to varying sensory feedback, shaping how typists perceive the sound and feel of each switch.
In essence, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Twilight switches utilize differing materials, understanding how these properties manifest during usage is essential for typists. If someone prefers a sharper sound profile, the polycarbonate housing of the New North Pole V2 will provide that clear auditory feedback, especially with compatible RGB lighting enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Conversely, users seeking a softer and more rounded typing experience will find the nylon housing of the HMX Twilight preferable, catering to those who appreciate deeper sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between these two switch types hinges on personal preference, with each offering distinct auditory experiences influenced by their material choices.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The New North Pole V2 has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Twilight switch is more suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. Conversely, the heavier New North Pole V2 offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide different typing experiences, the Twilight is the lighter option, and the New North Pole V2 is the heavier choice, which might influence users’ preferences based on their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch measures 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This makes the New North Pole V2 the longer option, offering a more traditional depth that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Twilight's shorter travel distance could be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you value a more responsive feel, the Twilight may suit you better, whereas the New North Pole V2 could be ideal for those who appreciate a more robust keypress. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preferences regarding 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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 offers a typing experience that is characterized by a cleaner and crisper auditory feedback, largely due to the absence of the rubber dampener which contributes to a more pronounced sound signature. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch showcases a slightly quieter typing sound, attributable to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm. However, both switches may produce variations in sound based on the keyboard build, including differences in materials used for the board and keycaps, leading to a unique auditory experience for each user.
When it comes to feel, the New North Pole V2 switches are lauded for their polished, creamy, and frictionless characteristics. This combination results in an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, with users describing it as an effortless glide across the keys. The meticulous engineering of these switches ensures that typing feels fluid with minimal resistance. Details on the feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch are currently unknown, which makes it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, one could expect that the overall typing experience would be smooth given the design focus on linear switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and HMX Twilight linear switches come with their own unique qualities that can significantly affect the typing experience. While the New North Pole V2 excels with its crisp sound and well-defined feel, the Twilight offers a quieter approach with an emphasis on travel distance. Although the available information lacks a direct feel description for the Twilight, newcomers can still rely on the known attributes of the New North Pole V2 for a consistently smooth experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and style. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams and desire a polished, creamy, and frictionless experience reminiscent of high-end switches, the New North Pole V2 is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy a crisper feedback without the dampening effect, making it great for both typing and gaming where precision is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and wish to embrace a slightly quieter typing style with an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, the HMX Twilight will serve you well. With its signature clacky characteristics, this switch is ideal for those who appreciate a smoother sound and an overall softer feel during long typing sessions. Therefore, consider how much force you like to exert when you type or game, as well as your sound preferences, to determine which switch will enhance your overall experience.
Mentioned in this article
