Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron North Pole V2 and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches stand out for their unique characteristics. The North Pole V2 is praised for its gummy and creamy typing experience, with a subdued yet bouncy feel that is polished and satisfying. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine switches offer a clacky and resonant typing sound with a high-pitched note, thanks to their impeccable factory lube job that ensures each keystroke is silky smooth. Both switches have their own appeal and strengths, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), it is evident that both switches use different materials for their top housing. While the North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, the Strawberry Wine (V2) opts for POM. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while POM offers a deeper and more muted sound. Additionally, both materials provide a unique aesthetic appeal due to their translucency, making them ideal choices for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing which contributes to a crisper and more resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound. The use of different materials for the bottom housing of each switch highlights how the characteristics of each material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, with nylon absorbing more sound and polycarbonate providing a clearer sound profile.
Overall, while the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles and visual aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate and POM for the top housing, as well as nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing, showcase how different materials can influence the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience, with each material contributing to the sound and feel of the switch in its own way.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces are notably different. The North Pole V2 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, resulting in a lighter and smoother typing feel. This makes the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the North Pole V2 switch is better suited for users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the North Pole V2 has a longer travel distance compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2). The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience for some individuals. Those who prefer a deeper keypress and more resistance may gravitate towards the North Pole V2, while those looking for a quicker response time may find the Strawberry Wine (V2) more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 muted sound profile, creating a more subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch produces a clacky and resonant sound, giving a sharper and more immersive auditory feedback while typing. Depending on personal preference, the North Pole V2 would be ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine switch would cater to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced and lively sound profile.
In terms of feel, the North Pole V2 linear switch provides a gummy and creamy typing experience, akin to typing on a trampoline or a gummy bear, offering a unique and satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch is described as silky, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the North Pole V2 excels in providing a bouncy and polished sensation, while the Strawberry Wine switch focuses on delivering a sleek and silky touch to each keystroke.
Overall, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the North Pole V2 offers a subdued and gummy typing experience, the Strawberry Wine switch presents a clacky and silky typing feel. Depending on whether you prioritize a quieter sound profile or a smoother tactile feedback, either switch would provide satisfying results. Both switches, however, ensure a high-quality typing experience, showcasing the diversity and innovation in the mechanical keyboard switch market.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron North Pole V2 or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a gummy and muted sound profile, along with a satisfying chewy typing feel, then the North Pole V2 may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with resonant and clacky notes, paired with an impeccable factory lube job that provides a silky smooth keystroke, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so carefully consider what aspects are most important to you in your typing experience before making your decision.
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