Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct features and experiences are the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The North Pole V2 is best known for its gummy and creamy typing feel, accompanied by a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are famous for their feather-light 35g actuation force, making them ideal for delicate typists. These switches offer a gliding type feel and a frictionless operation, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. Moreover, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron North Pole V2 and the Everglide Sakura Pink share similar housing materials, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, users can expect similar results from both the North Pole V2 and the Sakura Pink.
However, it is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the two. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction may result in varied typing experiences between the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Everglide Sakura Pink, depending on the specific design and construction of each switch.
In terms of durability, polycarbonate is a reliable and sturdy plastic material. It is known for its resistance to impact and heat. Consequently, both the North Pole V2 and the Sakura Pink are likely to offer long-lasting performance. This durability ensures that the switches can withstand extensive use without compromising their sound and feel qualities.
In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Everglide Sakura Pink offer similar housing materials, namely polycarbonate, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate's stiffness and translucency, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting. However, the different placements of the top and bottom housings may result in subtle variations in typing experience. Nonetheless, both switches are crafted to withstand extended use, ensuring their durability and reliability.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are significant differences between the two. The North Pole V2 requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's lighter actuation force of 35 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the North Pole V2 is heavier at 65 grams, whereas the Sakura Pink has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. These differences in force make the North Pole V2 a more medium-heavy option, providing a stronger push feel for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink is a lighter option, enabling users to type for longer periods of time comfortably. Despite the variance in force, both switches offer similar functionality and can be used effectively depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch are the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Gateron North Pole V2 or the Everglide Sakura Pink, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 switch produces a deep and muted sound profile, giving it a more subtle sound signature than most switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch produces a delightfully poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. While both switches offer unique sound qualities, the Sakura Pink switch provides a more playful touch to your typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is best described as gummy. Typing on these switches feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. The Everglide Sakura Pink switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery and creamy typing experience. The switch glides smoothly and effortlessly, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switch has an easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer different subjective qualities. The North Pole V2 provides a deep and muted sound profile along with a gummy typing feel, while the Sakura Pink delivers a poppy sound and a buttery, easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preference. However, if you enjoy a subdued and muted sound profile with a gummy typing feel, the North Pole V2 may be the better choice. If you prefer a lighter switch with a poppy sound and a smooth, easy-to-press typing experience, the Sakura Pink can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a satisfying typing feel and a deep, muted sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is a great choice. It offers a gummy and creamy typing experience, similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, which provides a unique and enjoyable tactile sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is the way to go. With its feather-light actuation force and frictionless operation, it offers a gliding type feel that is perfect for delicate typists. The Sakura Pinks produce a delightfully poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions.
Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Everglide Sakura Pink depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a heavier switch with a more muted sound and a gummy typing feel, the North Pole V2 is the better option. However, if you prefer a lighter switch with a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Sakura Pink is the way to go. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, and it's up to you to decide which one suits your typing style best.
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