TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron North Pole V2 are both linear switches that offer their own unique qualities. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning visuals, featuring a dazzling light diffuser that makes it perfect for backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is often described as "gummy," offering a deep and muted sound profile accompanied by a chewy typing feel. It is categorized as both "gummy" and "creamy," providing a subdued and bouncy typing experience. While these general details can help guide your decision, let's now delve deeper into each switch to help you determine the best option for your specific preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Flame Red and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ significantly in their housing materials, which ultimately impacts the sound profile they produce. The Flame Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The duller and rounder sound that nylon produces is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes the North Pole V2 switches more suitable for those who prefer a louder and more pronounced typing sound.

In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of both switches play a role. While the Flame Red's nylon material does not offer any visual benefits, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate material is translucent. This allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall appearance of the keyboard. If you are someone who enjoys customizable lighting effects, the polycarbonate top housing of the North Pole V2 would be a better choice.

When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience, it is important to consider the differences between the top and bottom housings. In both switches, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The softer nature of nylon in the Flame Red and the stiffer quality of polycarbonate in the North Pole V2 will affect the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing of the switches will have more impact on the sound when a key is released. The sound profile produced by the release of the key will differ between the Flame Red's nylon and the North Pole V2's polycarbonate, with nylon providing a duller sound and polycarbonate delivering a clearer and more resonant sound.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches have distinct characteristics that influence the sound profile and typing experience. The Flame Red's nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the North Pole V2's polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the North Pole V2 allows for RGB lighting customization. However, whether it is the top or the bottom housing, the qualities brought by each material will affect the feel and sound of pressing and releasing the keys.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams. This means that the Flame Red requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Flame Red is also lighter with 54 grams compared to the North Pole V2's heavier 65 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Flame Red would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it ideal for work environments or extended gaming sessions where fatigue can be a concern. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial push feel and a stronger typing experience may opt for the North Pole V2, which has a heavier actuation and bottom out force.

It's important to note that with both switches, users can achieve similar results depending on their typing style and preferences. While the Flame Red is generally lighter overall, the difference in forces may not be significant enough to drastically affect the typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier force is desired.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key, both switches will travel this distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar tactile experience for users. Thus, in terms of travel distance, the results obtained from both switches will be alike.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red is a neutral switch, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. It has a clacky sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 is a subdued switch, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It provides a deep and muted sound profile that can be quite pleasing to the ears. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

Moving on to feel, the TTC Flame Red is described as having a mild typing experience. This means that it offers a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The smoothness of the Flame Red switch contributes to its pleasant feel while typing. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 is described as gummy, providing a unique typing experience. Bottoming out on these switches feels similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. They also offer a creamy typing experience, thanks to lubricant applied in the switch or specific materials used. This results in a smooth and buttery sensation while typing. Moreover, the North Pole V2 switches have a bouncy characteristic, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel.

In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red and Gateron North Pole V2 switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Flame Red is visually appealing with its light diffuser and provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile. It offers a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 has a gummy typing feel and a deep, muted sound profile. It offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual preferences for a backlit keyboard.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a visually stunning switch with dazzling light diffusers that are perfect for a backlit, RGB keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the way to go. It offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a gummy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the better choice. It provides a satisfying chewy typing experience. In terms of sound, the Flame Red has a neutral profile that is suitable for most purposes, while the North Pole V2 offers a more subdued and subtle sound. When it comes to feel, the Flame Red provides a mild and polished experience, with a smooth and refined finish. The North Pole V2, on the other hand, offers a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for visuals, sound, and feel. So, consider what qualities are important to you and make your decision accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more