Submitted by lumekeebs t3_zr3u7f in MechanicalKeyboards
Comments
lumekeebs OP t1_j139y3b wrote
They are not technically silent switches. It's like a hybrid, downstroke feels and sounds like a silent switches but upstroke is just like the original north pole yellow.
rafale77 t1_j15z3t5 wrote
Silent switches often have silicone inserted at the top and bottom of the stem rail to dampen both up and downstrokes. Some have silicone at the bottom of the housing as well but the bottom silicone alone doesn't make it a silent switch.
rafale77 t1_j15zgxo wrote
No reason to upgrade if you already have them. On the V1, the yellow and reds were recognizable by the stem: Yellow has standard cross while the reds had the "box type" which reduces wobble in the downpressed position and would have been technically a little better. Looks like the V2 reds will lose those improved stems.
Bripoe t1_j16q8ys wrote
Hmm interesting. I might have misbought the v2 if i compare the v1 and v2. Thought they would sound the same. The site where i bought them showed the v1 picture so I assumed they were the v1 but i got the v2 instead
Still sound good tho the upstroke atleast sounds the same. They do feel the same aswell right?
protomartyrdom t1_j1am4uf wrote
So are these like a sort of reverse U4Tx?
lumekeebs OP t1_j11i99t wrote
Overview
Gateron recently released a new version of the North Pole switches. In this blog, we will review the North Pole 2.0 Yellow and compare it with the original version.
Product Details
Like the original version, the 2.0 uses polycarbonate transparent housing. It has an actuation force of 50g and a bottom out force of 67g. The total travel time is 4.0mm. It is factory lubed.
Yellow Rubber
The biggest difference between the two is the yellow rubber on the housing base. Gateron says that the rubber helps distinguish North Pole switch options since they have the Red, the Silver, etc. Gateron did not specify what type of material it is, but we guess it is some kind of silicone-based material.
Exhaust Holes
Gateron also mentions that the 2.0 version has exhaust holes set at the bottom which is supposed to allow for gases to escape so there is less resistance as you press down. In theory, it should result in better aerodynamics. However, it is unclear whether the exhaust holes will make a difference given that the stem and housing are not aero-tie sealed to begin with.
Switch Sound
The sound of two versions sound quite different.
On the downstroke, the 2.0 sounds more subdued, similar to the sound of a silent switch.
In terms of the upstroke, it sounds just like the original version.
We also took out the yellow rubber and tested it. The 2.0 without the rubber sounds like the original version.
So, the majority of the difference between the two comes from the yellow rubber.
Sound YouTube Video
Switch Feel
The 2.0 has a cushioned downstroke feel of a silent switch. In terms of smoothness, they both are very smooth.
Disclaimer: we sell these switches.