TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 are two popular options to consider. The Flame Red stands out with its visually captivating light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard setup. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a satisfying weighty smoothness accompanied by a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2s have made improvements by removing the rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience. However, they still maintain the signature feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel. Gateron has successfully preserved the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. While these general pointers give you an idea of what each switch offers, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics and producing a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is more favorable for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.

In terms of their bottom housings, the Flame Red and the New North Pole V2 differ similarly. Both switches employ nylon and polycarbonate materials respectively, resulting in contrasting sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Flame Red contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its nylon top housing. This is due to nylon's softer composition, enhancing sound absorption and creating a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its relatively stiffer nature allows for a more clear and resonant sound, complementing its polycarbonate top housing. Aesthetic-wise, the clear housing of the New North Pole V2 is more likely to be polycarbonate, making it an ideal choice for those intending to utilize RGB lighting.

When comparing the switch housings as a whole, it is evident that the Flame Red and the New North Pole V2 offer distinct sound profiles due to the contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate. The choice of housing material significantly influences the typing experience, with the Flame Red's nylon housing emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing providing a sharper and crisper sound. However, it's important to note that the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience, albeit through varying sound qualities.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches fall within the medium-light range. In terms of bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams, while the New North Pole V2 is slightly heavier at 62.5 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Flame Red might be the preferred choice as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can result in a smoother and more effortless typing experience, especially during long typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the New North Pole V2, as it requires a slightly heavier force. This can provide a satisfying push feel and a sense of feedback with each keystroke.

Overall, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference. If one prefers lighter switches for extended periods of typing or gaming, the Flame Red would be a suitable option. However, if a stronger and more substantial typing experience is desired, the New North Pole V2 may be the better choice.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have similar travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a consistent 4 mm travel distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, users can expect similar results when using either switch in terms of the distance they feel when pressing down on a key.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Flame Red and the New North Pole V2 switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. On the other hand, there is no information available about the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. The Flame Red switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, suitable for most users due to its safe middle-ground qualities. It also possesses a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. The New North Pole V2 switch, on the other hand, is described as offering a creamy and frictionless typing experience. It provides a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys.

In conclusion, the Flame Red and the New North Pole V2 switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch is known for its weighty smoothness, clacky sound profile, and moderate sound level. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch provides a creamy, frictionless, and smooth typing experience. While they have some overlapping qualities, such as the polished finish, they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Depending on your desired typing experience, you can choose between the weighty smoothness of the Flame Red switch or the creamy and frictionless feel of the New North Pole V2 switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider.

If you prioritize visual aesthetics and want a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red switches are your best bet. Their dazzling light diffuser will enhance the overall look of your keyboard and make it stand out. In terms of feel, the Flame Red switches offer a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience.

On the other hand, if you value a crisper typing experience and enjoy a frictionless typing feel, the New North Pole V2 switches are a great choice. These switches no longer have a rubber dampener, which allows for a more precise and responsive typing experience. Gateron has managed to retain the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love about the North Pole lineup.

In terms of sound, the Flame Red switches are described as neutral, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work, these switches will meet your needs. Unfortunately, there is no specific description of the sound profile for the New North Pole V2 switches.

In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the New North Pole V2 switches also offer a creamy sensation, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. Additionally, these switches are described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch will depend on your priorities and preferences. Consider factors such as visual aesthetics, typing experience, and sound profile to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more