KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron North Pole V2. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch, designed to provide a responsive touch without being too overwhelming. Its subtle tactile feedback offers a pleasant typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is a linear switch known for its gummy feel, creating a satisfying tactile sensation when typing. With a deep and muted sound profile, this switch offers a unique chewy typing experience. Categorized as creamy, subdued, and bouncy, it appeals to those seeking a different feel compared to the traditional tactile switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron North Pole V2 both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches using RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and visual effects when using either the Ash Gray or the North Pole V2.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a difference between the two switches. The Ash Gray features a nylon bottom housing, while the North Pole V2 includes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on the Ash Gray, with its nylon bottom housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate as the bottom housing material in the North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced.

When pressing down on either switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the qualities of their respective bottom housing materials. On the other hand, the sound experienced when releasing a key will be more influenced by the properties of the top housing material. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct acoustic experiences, the impact of these materials depends on the specific actions performed on the switch.

In summary, the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron North Pole V2 share a polycarbonate top housing that creates similar sharp and clear sound profiles, especially when combined with RGB lighting. However, they differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing producing a deeper and fuller sound, while the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a stronger influence on key release sound.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ash Gray is 53 grams, whereas the North Pole V2 has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Ash Gray switch provides a medium-light typing experience, suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 offers a medium-heavy push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with those desiring a lighter touch opting for the Ash Gray, and those preferring a stronger push opting for the North Pole V2.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. The North Pole V2 has a more traditional travel distance, which is often considered the standard at 4.0 mm. On the other hand, the Ash Gray offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. If you prefer a switch with a more responsive feel, the Ash Gray would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press, the North Pole V2's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying experience. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preference and specific usage requirements.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various settings such as at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch has a subdued sound profile. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It provides a dampened sound when pressed, resulting in a quieter typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press experience. It has a low actuation force requirement, meaning that it requires minimal force to activate the key. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that most users would find approachable. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its tactile attributes. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy, offering a unique typing experience. It provides a feel similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, giving it a slightly bouncy and elastic sensation. However, the North Pole V2 switch also offers other variations such as creamy, which provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, and polished, which ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering the available information, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Ash Gray switch provides a light touch with crisp actuation, offering a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. It has a neutral sound profile and is easy to press, providing a low-impact and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch has a gummy feel, offering a unique and slightly bouncy typing experience. It has a subdued sound profile, producing a quieter typing sound compared to most switches. Overall, while both switches have their distinct qualities, the Ash Gray switch is more suitable for those looking for a moderate and tactile typing experience, while the North Pole V2 switch is ideal for those seeking a slightly bouncy and muted typing feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a delightful blend of tactile feedback, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is a great choice. It offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, providing a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response. The Ash Gray switch is best suited for those who prefer an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, as it requires minimal force to activate and offers a low-impact typing feel. Additionally, its sound profile is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch might be the right switch for you. It provides a gummy and creamy typing feel, similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The North Pole V2 switch is also described as bouncy and polished, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth and refined typing experience. Although it produces a more subdued sound compared to most switches, it still provides a satisfying typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, tactile feedback, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience, as well as the level of tactile response you desire. Both switches have their unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so it's important to choose the one that aligns with your preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more