Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between options that offer distinct characteristics and experiences. The Gateron New North Pole V2 and HMX Vintage Citrus are two linear switches that highlight this diversity, each catering to different preferences and needs. The New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its polished and creamy typing feel, devoid of a rubber dampener to provide a crisp and frictionless experience that many users appreciate for both everyday typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus is engineered specifically for gamers, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for rapid inputs, complemented by an engagingly clacky sound profile and a notably smooth pushing sensation. While both switches promise superior smoothness and performance, they cater to different audiences—whether you prioritize a premium typing experience or ultra-responsive gaming keys. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit significant differences in their housing materials, resulting in distinct auditory experiences for users. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. Its clear housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing in keyboard setups aimed at aesthetic illumination. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is a softer material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. This difference in material fundamentally alters the auditory feedback each switch provides.
When it comes to the overall sound profile, the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a critical role. In the New North Pole V2, both housing components being made of polycarbonate means that the sharpness and clarity are consistently maintained throughout the key actuation, resulting in a coherent typing sound that underscores its precise design. The crisper sound is most pronounced upon the release of the key, where the top housing's translucency and stiffness contribute significantly. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its nylon housings, showcases a more balanced yet softer sound across the keystroke, with the bottom housing’s absorption characteristics proving to be vital for the bottom-out sound. Users can expect a looser and warmer auditory feedback when typing with the Vintage Citrus, distinctive from the New North Pole V2's precise audio deliverance.
Ultimately, if a user is seeking specific tactile and auditory responses, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and HMX Vintage Citrus will hinge on their preferred typing experience. If you desire a sharper, high-pitched sound along with vibrant RGB lighting, the polycarbonate housing of the New North Pole V2 is ideal. On the other hand, if a deeper, fuller sound resonates more with your typing preferences, the nylon housing of the Vintage Citrus will deliver those results. Despite their differences, both switches can still provide satisfying performance depending on the individual needs and desires of the user. Whether one opts for the crispness of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon, each switch's housing material offers unique auditory experiences, catering to a range of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see some notable differences. The New North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer key feel. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, catering to users who favor a smoother and less tiring experience during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Therefore, the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option, while the New North Pole V2 is the heavier choice. The differences in these forces can help users decide based on their typing preference—whether they lean toward a softer touch or a more forceful push when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The New North Pole V2 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for deeper key presses. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus boasts a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to those who favor a quicker, more responsive typing experience, especially beneficial for gamers seeking faster actuation. While both switches provide unique experiences based on their travel distances, the New North Pole V2 is the longer option, providing a more pronounced feedback, whereas the Vintage Citrus is the shorter choice, offering a more abrupt and potentially less tactile feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to individual preferences regarding depth versus 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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 is made without a rubber dampener, which allows for a crisper and more pronounced acoustic response during typing. This fundamental aspect results in a cleaner audio profile, though the specifics of its sound signature haven't been fully articulated. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch delivers a bright and clacky sound, enhancing the auditory feedback that many gamers and typists appreciate, especially during rapid-paced inputs. The striking difference is that while the New North Pole V2 might provide a crisp, possibly more muted sound depending on the build, the Vintage Citrus leans towards a brighter and more boisterous auditory experience. Ultimately, both sound profiles can also be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 switches excel with their polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. This trio of descriptors establishes a switch that is not only smooth in its operation but also provides a luxurious and refined touch, allowing for seamless typing with minimal resistance. Users can glide effortlessly across the keys, thanks to the meticulous design and finish of these switches. On the other hand, while the feel qualities of the Vintage Citrus switch are not described in detail, its extremely low actuation force of just 1mm suggests a very light and responsive touch, likely making it great for quick key presses. However, the subjective experience of smoothness and overall tactile satisfaction remains unexplored in the context of this switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches appeal to different types of users by offering unique auditory and tactile experiences. While the New North Pole V2 delivers a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel with a crisper sound, the Vintage Citrus brings a dynamic and clacky auditory profile, optimized for rapid actuation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you might find one switch more appealing than the other, and each switch's performance can be further shaped by the specific keyboard setup you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a more polished and frictionless typing experience, the New North Pole V2 is an excellent choice. Its crisper feel without the rubber dampener provides a seamless typing experience that is ideal for those who appreciate smooth keystrokes while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking a switch that excels in rapid-fire inputs, the Vintage Citrus is engineered for speed with its low 1mm actuation force and medium-light bottom-out force. This switch not only enables quick reactions but also brings a bright, clacky sound profile and a remarkably smooth push feel that can enhance your gaming performance. Ultimately, your choice between the two should align with whether you prioritize a balance of comfort and control (New North Pole V2) or speed and agility (Vintage Citrus) in your typing or gaming experience.
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