TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron North Pole V2. The Bluish White switch is known for offering a tactile experience that many typists find satisfyingly poppy. It has a snappy sound profile and is categorized as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch provides a delightful linear feel that can be best described as gummy. Typing on these switches is accompanied by a deep and muted sound profile, offering a chewy typing experience. The North Pole V2 switch falls into categories such as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Bluish White Tactile

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches have several similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic results from both the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.

However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Bluish White switch features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the properties of its top housing. It contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to the effect it has on the top housing. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

Overall, while both the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate for their top housing, they diverge in terms of their bottom housing materials. The choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing results in different sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Bluish White produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Therefore, users seeking specific sound characteristics can choose between these switches based on their preferences.

Weight

The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams. This means that the Bluish White switch requires a gentler push to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Bluish White switch is slightly heavier at 50 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 65 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, the Bluish White switch provides a slightly firmer typing experience.

Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the TTC Bluish White switch as it requires less force to trigger keystrokes, making it ideal for longer typing sessions and gaming. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and heavier push feel may find the Gateron North Pole V2 switch more suitable, as it has heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

If someone desires similar results to the lighter actuation force of the Bluish White switch, they may choose the North Pole V2 switch and apply a lighter touch when typing to achieve a similar effect. Similarly, if someone prefers the heavier bottoming out force of the North Pole V2 switch, they may use a firmer typing technique with the Bluish White switch to replicate a similar typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that the North Pole V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bluish White has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The North Pole V2 falls into the more traditional category with its 4.0 mm travel distance, offering a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Bluish White's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm appeals to gamers and those seeking faster response times, as the reduced travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes. Both options have their advantages, with the North Pole V2 providing a sense of depth and solidity, while the Bluish White offers heightened responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch can best be described as low-pitched. Low-pitched switches typically emit a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch produces a subdued sound when pressed. It offers a dampened sound profile that is more subtle compared to most switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bluish White provides a range of tactile experiences. It can be described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch offers seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensations. Additionally, the Bluish White has a mild characteristic, providing a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. It can also be considered stepped, as it offers a two-stage tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Furthermore, the switch has a subtle typing feel with gentle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, the Bluish White switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek typing experience.

On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a gummy typing feel. This unique sensation is similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The switch can also be described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This could be due to the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on the North Pole V2 switch gives a silky sensation, as keystrokes effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, this switch has a bouncy characteristic, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with lively keys. Like the Bluish White, the North Pole V2 switch also boasts a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White switch provides a snappy, low-pitched sound profile and a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch offers a deep and muted, subdued sound profile, and a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished feel. It's important to consider these qualities and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences for typing experience. If you desire a more bass-heavy and mellow sound with a smoother typing sensation, the Bluish White switch is a good choice. If you prefer a more subdued sound with a unique gummy and bouncy typing feel, the North Pole V2 switch is worth considering. Remember to also consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can affect the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, along with a light bottom out force of 50 grams, then the Bluish White switch is a great choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a gentle and approachable typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish, the Bluish White switch offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique typing experience with a deep and muted sound profile, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, then the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is the way to go. Furthermore, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, the North Pole V2 switch provides a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished feel. Ultimately, your choice should depend on the specific sound profile and feel that appeals to you the most.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Bluish White Tactile

$6.60

$4.63 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more