Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch, and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, a tactile switch. The North Pole V2 is celebrated for its 'Gummy' typing experience, characterized by a deep and muted sound profile and a satisfyingly chewy typing feel. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura stands out for its 'Buttery' tactility, offering a snappy response and a decadently smooth downstroke without being overly pronounced. While the North Pole V2 is praised for its bouncy and polished feel, the Purple Sakura is known for its neutrality and mild sound signature. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, both switches have polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through. However, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature clear housings, which indicate the use of polycarbonate material. This clear housing not only allows for RGB lighting effects to be more visible but also gives a sleek and modern look to the switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile. The split between the two housing materials in each switch allows for a combination of sharp, high-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper, fuller sounds from the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. Both switches offer the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, as well as the added depth provided by the nylon bottom housing in the Purple Sakura. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches deliver quality performance with their unique housing materials. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of housing materials but may notice a nuanced difference in sound profile between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, we can see that they both have an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that users will need the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke on both switches. However, the North Pole V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Purple Sakura has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the North Pole V2 slightly heavier overall compared to the Purple Sakura. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Sakura may be more suitable, as it allows for easier bottoming out. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the Sarokeys Purple Sakura the shorter option compared to the Gateron North Pole V2. The 4.0mm travel distance of the North Pole V2 is more traditional and provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Purple Sakura offers a shallower press that can lead to faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 North Pole V2 for $5.70.
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 North Pole V2 linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound profile, creating a quiet typing experience that is not completely silent but definitely more subtle than most switches. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound level suitable for various settings. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the North Pole V2 being more subdued and the Purple Sakura being more neutral.
Moving on to feel, the North Pole V2 linear switch is described as providing a gummy typing sensation, akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. This unique experience is complemented by a creamy, bouncy, and polished feel, offering a smooth, spring-like, and refined typing experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a buttery and mild typing sensation, ensuring a smooth, gentle, and uniform keystroke experience. Additionally, its snappy response adds a touch of liveliness to the typing feel. Despite the differences in descriptors, both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, with the North Pole V2 being gummier and the Purple Sakura being buttery and more responsive.
In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch each have their own unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The North Pole V2 excels in providing a gummy typing feel and a subdued sound profile, while the Purple Sakura stands out with a buttery typing feel and a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, typing feel, and responsiveness. Both switches offer a high-quality experience, ensuring a pleasant and satisfying typing session regardless of which one you choose.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the differences in bottom out force and overall typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gummy, creamy typing feel with a subdued sound profile, the North Pole V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, a buttery, snappy typing feel with a neutral sound signature, then the Purple Sakura tactile switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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