Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type can greatly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options on the market are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), both of which are linear switches that cater to different preferences. The New North Pole V2 stands out for its crisper typing experience, having shed its predecessor's rubber dampener while retaining a signature frictionless glide that many users adore. This switch is praised for its polished and creamy feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth and pleasant typing sensation without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a weightier typing experience with its unique PA12 top housing, which contributes to softer acoustics, combined with a POM stem that creates a distinctive high-pitched resonance. This blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance appeals to users who enjoy a more dramatic auditory feedback that can enhance their typing rhythm. While both switches provide unique advantages, your choice ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a stark contrast emerges from their respective top and bottom housings. The New North Pole V2 employs polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is characterized by sharper, higher-pitched tones. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, helps create a clear and resonant quality in sound, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a lively typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch but also complements the use of RGB lighting, making it a visually striking option.

In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, providing a fundamentally different auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and instead offers a deeper, fuller sound profile that is often described as duller and rounder compared to polycarbonate. This choice in material leads to a cushioning effect that dampens noise, resulting in a typing experience that many users find to be more comforting and less harsh. While nylon is a classic choice for switch housing, the overall sound signature it produces can lead to a less vibrant sound compared to the polycarbonate housings found in the New North Pole V2.

Ultimately, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound quality and user experience, it is important to note that the differing materials can lead to unique outcomes depending on the housing configurations. For instance, while the New North Pole V2 offers a crisper top-out sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Xinhai (Heavy)'s nylon top housing will yield a softer sound upon key release. Furthermore, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound; thus, typing on switches that feature the same materials will create a distinct auditory experience tailored to the user’s preference. In summary, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) hinges on whether one prefers clarity and crispness or softness and depth in their typing soundscape.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we see some similarities and differences in their force characteristics. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating they require the same amount of force to fully depress the key. However, the actuation forces differ slightly, with the New North Pole V2 requiring 50 grams to activate compared to the 55 grams needed for the Xinhai (Heavy). This makes the New North Pole V2 the lighter option, which could appeal to users looking for less resistance during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean toward the heavier actuation force of the Xinhai (Heavy), as it offers a stronger push. Overall, while both switches provide a similar bottom-out experience, the actuation forces cater to different preferences for typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find that they differ significantly. The New North Pole V2 features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional option ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to gamers and those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes. As such, while the New North Pole V2 offers a deeper travel experience, the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a more abrupt and swift action. Therefore, users who value depth in their keystrokes might opt for the Gateron switch, while those preferring rapid response times may find the HMX switch more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the New North Pole V2s deliver a distinctly crisp typing experience due to the absence of the rubber dampener found in its predecessor. This allows for a more pronounced acoustics profile, resulting in a clean sound that resonates well with typists who prefer clarity in each keystroke. The Xinhai (Heavy), on the other hand, boasts a unique construction featuring a PA12 top housing that softens the acoustics, creating a subtle sound profile. Coupled with a POM stem, the switch produces a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance, giving it a sophisticated auditory character. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, but the selection will largely depend on personal preference—whether one prefers a more definitive, resonant click or a subdued, yet crisp tone.

In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 shines through with its polished, creamy, and frictionless attributes. It provides a smooth and refined typing experience, characterized by minimal friction and fluid key travel. This effortless glide is particularly pleasing for users who enjoy a seamless interaction with their keyboard. The Xinhai (Heavy), however, is less documented in terms of specific feel descriptors, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, given its reputation and market position, one might expect it to offer a solid typing experience that balances weight and responsiveness effectively. For users focused on the quality of feel, the New North Pole V2 may be the clearer choice based on its established smoothness and finesse.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches offer unique benefits, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The New North Pole V2 provides a crisp and frictionless typing experience, ideal for those seeking clarity and smoothness. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) stands out with its sophisticated sound profile, though its specific tactile qualities remain less defined. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on individual priorities—be it sound, touch, or a balanced expression of both.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you value a polished and creamy typing feel with a smooth, frictionless gliding experience, the New North Pole V2 would be an excellent choice. This switch shines for users who enjoy a crisp typing experience and appreciate the absence of a rubber dampener, allowing for a more unimpeded keystroke. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a slightly heavier actuation without sacrificing sound quality, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a unique combination of softer acoustics and a distinctively crisp resonance, courtesy of its innovative materials. This switch may appeal to you if you prefer a little more resistance in your key presses, fostering a different tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and sound preferences to make the most informed decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more