Durock Black Lotus vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that is well-known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. It has reduced housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight, it offers a substantial but not too hefty typing experience. Another standout feature is the unique light column that provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2, also a linear switch, is known for its crisper typing experience. Gateron has done away with the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a more tactile feel. However, the New North Pole V2 retains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel that users have come to love. With its polished, creamy, and frictionless categorization, the New North Pole V2 offers a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches have their unique attributes and benefits, but 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron New North Pole V2 share some similarities, but also have distinct differences. Both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housings, which provides a clear and resonant sound profile. This makes them suitable for those who prioritize a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting in their keyboards. Therefore, when it comes to the top housing material, users can expect similar results from both the Black Lotus and the New North Pole V2.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Black Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. While still contributing to a clear and resonant sound profile, this material adds to the switch's overall crispness and higher-pitched tone.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing material will have a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. Thus, the choice between the Black Lotus and the New North Pole V2 will ultimately depend on the user's preference for the desired sound and feel during both key press and release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Black Lotus requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the New North Pole V2 only needs 50 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balanced feel for typing.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Black Lotus has a heavier weight with 63.5 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 62.5 grams. This means that when pressing the key all the way down, the Black Lotus offers a slightly more substantial typing experience. However, the difference is quite minimal, and both switches can still provide a satisfying tactile response.
When considering weight, personal preference plays a significant role. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the New North Pole V2, as it requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience, the Black Lotus, with its heavier bottom out force, may be the preferred option.
In summary, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron New North Pole V2 differ slightly, they both offer a medium range of resistance. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and keypress experience provided by both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Gateron New 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 New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 Black Lotus and the New North Pole V2 switches both lack a specific description. Therefore, it is unknown how these switches sound and it is important to note that the sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. This implies that it offers an exceptionally smooth, seamless, and uniform typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It falls within a safe middle ground in terms of its characteristics, making it approachable for most users.
On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. This suggests that it also provides a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and a fluid travel. The creamy sensation and effortless keystrokes make it feel like gliding across the keys with ease.
Based on the available information, it is clear that both the Black Lotus and the New North Pole V2 switches prioritize delivering a smooth and polished typing feel. While the Black Lotus offers a silky, buttery, mild, and polished experience, the New North Pole V2 focuses on providing a polished, creamy, and frictionless sensation. Therefore, using either switch would likely result in a similar overall feel of smoothness and refinement.
It is worth mentioning that individual preferences may still come into play in terms of sound and feel. As a newcomer, it is advised to try out different switches and consider personal preferences, keyboard setup, and keycap choices to find the optimal combination that suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, there are some key differences to consider.
If you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel. Additionally, the Black Lotus features a unique light column for in-switch lighting and has unparalleled precision, reducing housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. The sound characteristics of the Black Lotus are not specified.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is a great option. With a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, it provides a medium feel. Gateron has maintained the seamless glide and smoothness that users love, resulting in a frictionless typing experience. The New North Pole V2s no longer have a rubber dampener, providing a crisper typing experience. The sound of the New North Pole V2 is not described.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding bottom out force and any specific features you value, such as in-switch lighting. Both switches offer a polished and smooth typing experience, ensuring maximum typing pleasure. As a final point, it's recommended to try out both switches if possible, to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences the best.
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