Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Durock Piano

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Durock Piano. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its removal of the rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience while still maintaining the frictionless glide and smoothness that users love. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, providing one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on, with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. Both switches offer frictionless typing but have their unique characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

Durock Piano Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Durock Piano differ in their choice of housing materials, with the former utilizing polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, while the latter incorporates a proprietary POM blend for both. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to its relatively stiffer nature, offering a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Durock Piano's POM blend top and bottom housings contribute to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although the specific details of this blend are undisclosed.

Although the top housings of the New North Pole V2 and the Piano have different materials, both polycarbonate and the POM blend bring notable qualities to their respective switches. Pressing down on the switch will evoke the characteristics of the bottom housing, as it significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that regardless of the housing material, both switches would offer similar qualities upon key depression. However, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced primarily by the top housing material. Therefore, while the New North Pole V2 may deliver a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Durock Piano may produce a satisfying and deep sound as a result of its POM blend top housing.

In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron New North Pole V2's translucency due to polycarbonate makes it a desirable option for those who plan to use RGB lighting. The clear housing enhances the visual experience when the lights are activated, adding a touch of vibrancy to the keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Durock Piano's housing material is undisclosed, so its visual appeal may be more dependent on other factors such as design or color options. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics attributable to their specific housing materials, with the New North Pole V2 emphasizing aesthetics and the Piano prioritizing an undisclosed blend that creates a satisfying sound profile.

Weight

When it comes to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces provide slightly different experiences. The New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is considered light, while the Piano's actuation force is unavailable. This means that we are unsure of the exact force required to trigger a keystroke on the Piano switch. Moving on to the bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams of force to fully depress the key, which is also medium. On the other hand, the Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier and giving a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of bottom out force, but the Piano switch leans towards the medium-heavy end. This slight variation in force could be noticeable to those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, for those who cannot access the exact actuation force of the Piano switch, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison. Nonetheless, based on available information, it is safe to say that the Gateron New North Pole V2 offers a lighter typing experience, while the Durock Piano provides a slightly heavier feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent distance that can be felt when pressing down on a key. Whether using the Gateron New North Pole V2 or the Durock Piano switch, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of the travel distance. Thus, there is no notable difference in travel distance between the two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for providing a sound profile that is not explicitly described in the given information. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is characterized as having a deep and creamy sound signature with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.

When it comes to feel, both switches offer a frictionless typing experience. The Gateron New North Pole V2 switch retains the seamless glide and smoothness that users love about the North Pole lineup. It is described as having a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, resulting in a sleek and buttery typing experience. The Durock Piano switch is also described as having a frictionless feel and being silky, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Durock Piano switches provide a frictionless typing experience with smooth and effortless key travel. While the Gateron New North Pole V2 is best known for its seamless glide and a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on with a deep, creamy sound signature. Although the specific sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 is unknown, both switches offer similar frictionless and smooth typing experiences. The ultimate choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-linear switch with a crisper typing experience, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is a solid choice. With its medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams and the removal of the rubber dampener, you can expect a seamless glide and smoothness that Gateron is known for. The New North Pole V2 describes a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, providing a sleek and effortless typing experience. However, if you prioritize a deep and creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch might be more suitable for you. At a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Piano offers a gliding push feel and a rich, bassy sound profile. Additionally, the Piano also boasts a frictionless and silky feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Durock Piano depends on your preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more