KTT Darling vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, is perfect for those who enjoy a typing sensation that is chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds springy responsiveness to each keystroke. It delivers a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, providing a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2, also a linear switch, offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, maintaining a frictionless typing feel that many users have come to appreciate. While the Darling is characterized by its bouncy and clacky feel, and high-pitched sound, the New North Pole V2 is known for its polished, creamy typing experience with a frictionless glide. However, 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the Darling and the New North Pole V2, it is clear that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the bottom housing material differs between the two switches. The Darling utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, maintaining consistency with its top housing material.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both the Darling and the New North Pole V2 aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The split in housing materials allows for a balance of qualities in the sound and feel of the key press. The nylon bottom housing of the Darling impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound upon key release. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing works in conjunction with the top housing to produce a cohesive sound profile that is sharp and resonant. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Darling and the New North Pole V2 play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and crisp sound, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound depth and character. Whether you prefer the deeper sound of nylon in the Darling or the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2, each switch offers a unique typing experience that is tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches highlight the importance of material choice in creating a satisfying and personalized typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Darling is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, the Darling offers a medium-light feel. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 features a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a medium feel. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Darling being lighter and the New North Pole V2 being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Darling, while others may opt for the more substantial typing experience offered by the New North Pole V2.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Darling switch. The Darling switch, with its shorter travel distance, may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the New North Pole V2 might be more suited for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant nature, producing a sharp and crisp sound profile that can be quite engaging. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, but without a rubber dampener, it is likely to offer a clearer and crisper typing experience. Both switches may provide a satisfying auditory feedback, with the Darling offering a more distinct and lively sound compared to the New North Pole V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like sensation that adds a lively and responsive touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. While the Darling emphasizes a bouncy feedback, the New North Pole V2 focuses on providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. Whether you prefer a more springy or a frictionless feel, both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling stands out with its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness and resonant sound profile, while the New North Pole V2 emphasizes a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel. Depending on whether you prefer a lively and clacky typing experience or a smooth and polished one, both switches have their own strengths to cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences in sound and feel, as well as other factors such as build quality and keycap compatibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for typing sensation and sound. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing experience with a bouncy and springy responsiveness, as well as a resonant, high-pitched sound, then the KTT Darling switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing feel without a rubber dampener, along with a frictionless and smooth typing experience, then the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your selection.
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