Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Durock White Lotus. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that is best known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Unlike its predecessor, this switch no longer has a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper feel while still maintaining its seamless glide and smoothness. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for the discerning typist. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, these switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Durock White Lotus differ in their housing materials. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and enhance the aesthetics of the keyboard. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel. While both materials contribute to a clear and resonant sound, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate offers a distinct sound profile with its stiffer plastic properties, while the modified PC and UPE Blend of the White Lotus creates a different tactile experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This allows for a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus, on the other hand, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the White Lotus may offer a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a quieter keyboard with a deeper sound.
In terms of functionality, both switches offer distinct advantages. The New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing is ideal for those who prioritize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. On the other hand, the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend housing adds a premium feel to the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the top housing of each switch will have an impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on personal preferences, with the New North Pole V2 offering a sharper and crisper sound, and the White Lotus providing a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of actuation force, the New North Pole V2 requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the White Lotus requires 46 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a satisfying push feel for most typists.
Moving on to the bottom out force, we see that the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams of force to fully press the switch down, whereas the White Lotus requires a slightly lighter 56 grams. This makes the White Lotus a bit gentler on the fingers during prolonged typing sessions, as it requires less force to fully depress the keys. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel.
Weight considerations play a crucial role when choosing between these switches. Those who favor a lighter typing experience, enabling them to type for extended periods without fatigue, may find the White Lotus more suitable. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it ideal for work environments or long gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more robust typing experience may lean towards the New North Pole V2. Although both switches fall within the medium range, the New North Pole V2's slightly higher bottom out force provides a more satisfying tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Durock White Lotus switches share similar actuation forces, they differ in bottom out force. The White Lotus offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for prolonged periods of use, while the New North Pole V2 provides a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and can deliver satisfying results based on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it becomes evident that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys equipped with either switch, users will experience a consistent 4mm distance between the top and bottom positions. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will offer similar results to users.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 not specifically described in the provided information. However, based on its predecessor, we can expect a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, which could result in a louder sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a soothing auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is praised for maintaining a frictionless typing feel that users love. Although the specific tactile characteristics are not mentioned, some characteristics can be inferred. The switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Additionally, the switch is also described as creamy, suggesting a smooth and buttery typing sensation similar to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. Overall, the New North Pole V2 switch offers a frictionless and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. This means that it requires minimal force to activate, resulting in an effortless and comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Furthermore, the White Lotus switch is also described as mild, indicating a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. In addition, the switch is described as subtle, meaning it has a gentle resistance while maintaining a light typing feel. This makes it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing sound is preferred.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The New North Pole V2 delivers a frictionless and smooth typing experience, with its polished and creamy attributes contributing to its sleek and seamless key travel. Meanwhile, the White Lotus provides a low-pitched sound profile, creating a calming typing environment. Its easy-to-press and mild characteristics offer effortless and comfortable typing, with a subtle resistance that suits shared spaces. Keep in mind that personal preferences and other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps, can also influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is the switch for you. It offers a crisper typing experience without the rubber dampener present in its predecessor, maintaining the seamless glide and smoothness that users love. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lower bottom out force and a delicate tactility, the Durock White Lotus is the perfect choice. It strikes a perfect balance between tactile feedback and light actuation force, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions. Additionally, its removable light column allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding an extra level of aesthetic appeal.
When it comes to sound, the New North Pole V2 has a description that is not provided, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the White Lotus is known for its low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 offers a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the White Lotus provides an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing experience. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Durock White Lotus will depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desired bottom out force and typing feel. Take into consideration factors such as sound, feel, and lighting effects to make an informed decision that suits your needs and enhances your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
