Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Dareu Sky POM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The North Pole V2 is a linear switch known for its gummy and creamy typing experience, with a deep and subdued sound profile that adds a bouncy and polished touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM stands out for its premium quality made accessible with a POM material construction, delivering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While the North Pole V2 may appeal to those who enjoy a chewy typing feel, the Sky POM could be a choice for those seeking a buttery and silky typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Dareu Sky POM, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top housings. The North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Sky POM utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While the North Pole V2's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who prefer a clearer and resonant sound with the added bonus of RGB lighting, the Sky POM's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound experience on the deeper end of the spectrum.
Moving on to the bottom housing comparison, the North Pole V2 incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a crisp and resonant sound profile similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Sky POM utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound quality. While both housings offer distinct sound profiles, the Nylon bottom housing of the Sky POM may appeal to those seeking a deeper and more subtle typing experience compared to the crisper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the North Pole V2.
It is important to note that the housing materials of switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of a keyboard. While the North Pole V2 and the Dareu Sky POM utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, each material brings unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. The split between top and bottom housings means that the qualities of each material will be felt and heard in different ways. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer distinct sound profiles to cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the North Pole V2 also requires more force at 65 grams compared to the Sky POM, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with both the actuation and bottom out force being medium-heavy, while the Sky POM offers a lighter touch for those looking for a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Sky POM's 3.8 mm. Despite the small difference of 0.2 mm, it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The North Pole V2 offers a bit more depth in keypress, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Sky POM's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound profile, providing a more subtle sound signature during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch produces a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone, creating a different auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to individual preferences, with the North Pole V2 delivering a deeper tone and the Sky POM emphasizing a mellower sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is best described as gummy, offering a chewy typing experience reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the switch provides creamy, bouncy, and polished sensations, ensuring a smooth and refined typing feel. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM switch boasts a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, characterized by smooth and fluid keystrokes that enhance overall typing comfort. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile feel, with the North Pole V2 focusing on a gummy and bouncy sensation while the Sky POM emphasizes a buttery and silky touch.
In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The North Pole V2 excels in providing a subdued sound profile and a gummy typing feel, while the Sky POM delivers a clacky sound and a buttery typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound with a chewy feel or a low-pitched, smooth sound with a silky touch, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gummy, creamy typing feel with a subdued sound, the North Pole V2 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force, a clacky, low-pitched sound profile, and a buttery, creamy typing feel, the Sky POM switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
