Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

Are you in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing preferences? Look no further! Today, we will be comparing and contrasting two exceptional options: the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. Let's start with the North Pole V2, a linear switch that has gained popularity for its delightful typing experience. It is best described as 'gummy', offering a deep and muted sound profile along with a satisfyingly chewy feeling while typing. On the other hand, we have the Silent Ink Black, a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, ideal for environments that require quieter typing. With its cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, it provides a serene typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing choices. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in terms of their composition. The North Pole V2 relies on a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, whereas the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing.

In terms of sound profile, the polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. This gives it a satisfying thin and clacky sound. While both switches have a higher-pitched sound, the Silent Ink Black is described as having a more distinct and enjoyable clacky sound.

Aesthetically, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. The clear housing allows the light to pass through, creating vibrant and visually appealing illumination. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black does not have a clear housing, so it may not provide the same level of illumination. However, it should be noted that both switches offer unique and attractive design options, with the North Pole V2 emphasizing its translucent appearance and the Silent Ink Black focusing on its sleek and solid color housing.

Overall, while the housing materials differ between the North Pole V2 and the Silent Ink Black switches, they both deliver their own unique sound profiles and visual aesthetics. The polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black offers a distinct and clacky sound. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience and can be tailored to suit individual preferences. Whether you prefer the high-pitched clarity of polycarbonate or the thin and clacky sound of the proprietary INK blend, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying results.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The North Pole V2 has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. This means that the North Pole V2 requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches have similar medium-heavy forces. The North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams.

Considering weight, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the North Pole V2, as its lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Silent Ink Black more suitable, with its heavier actuation force providing a stronger push feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying keystroke when fully pressed. Although there are differences in actuation force, both switches deliver comparable results in terms of bottom out force.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch are both 4 mm. Therefore, both switches have the same travel distance, resulting in a similar experience when pressing down on the keys. The user will get similar results in terms of the distance traveled by the switch from top to bottom.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch can be described as subdued. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. While it is not completely silent, it provides a deep and muted sound profile that many users find pleasing. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for being muted. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer a quieter typing experience, with the Silent Ink Black providing a more cushiony and quiet bottom-out feel.

In terms of feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its gummy and chewy typing sensation. When bottoming out, it feels like bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. This unique typing experience adds a certain tactile satisfaction to each keystroke. Additionally, the North Pole V2 can also offer a creamy and bouncy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively rebound when pressed. This switch can also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as silky. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the North Pole V2, the Silent Ink Black can also have a polished finish, contributing to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The North Pole V2 provides a deep and muted sound profile, along with a gummy and chewy typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While they have different descriptors for their sound and feel, both switches can provide similar results depending on factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the environment in which the switches will be used.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a gummy and creamy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile, the North Pole V2 is an excellent choice. It offers a satisfying chewy typing experience, akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. While it is not completely silent, it provides a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.

On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience in environments that require minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go. This switch offers a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel and produces a softer and quieter sound. With its silky smooth typing experience and reduced friction, it enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom-out force, making them suitable for those who prefer slightly heavier switches. Consider your desired sound profile, typing feel, and noise level when making your decision. Ultimately, it's important to try out different switches and find the one that feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more