TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron New North Pole V2 both stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts. The TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound that caters well to both gaming and everyday typing tasks. Its bright but not overly loud sound profile ensures a pleasant auditory experience without being intrusive. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 offers a refined typing experience by eliminating the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a crisper and more tactile feedback. This switch retains the signature frictionless glide, providing users with the seamless smoothness that the North Pole lineup is known for. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Flaming Pink is ideal for users seeking a balanced auditory and tactile feel, while the New North Pole V2 appeals to those who prioritize a pure, unhindered typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches share similarities, particularly in their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences the sound profile of each switch. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that elevates the overall acoustic experience when typing. This characteristic not only enhances the clarity of each key press but also makes both switches ideal for use with RGB lighting thanks to the material's translucency. As such, users of either switch can expect a similarly vibrant lighting effect that beautifully complements their keyboard setup.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge significantly, leading to a noticeable difference in sound profiles during key presses. The Flaming Pink features a nylon bottom housing, which imparts deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This property allows nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience that can feel more satisfying for those who prefer a softer touch. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns its sound characteristics with the top housing – leading to a cohesive, sharp, and clear sound from both ends of the switch.
The divergent bottom housing materials mean that the two switches will create different overall experiences when typing. For the TTC Flaming Pink, the deeper sound and fuller feel from the nylon bottom housing will contrast with the crisper sounds produced by the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 will maintain a more consistent sound profile across its top and bottom, offering a unified experience. Understanding how each material influences sound and feel can help users determine their preference, but regardless of choice, both switches incorporate polycarbonate which ensures great sound clarity, especially during the release of keys.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Flaming Pink features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort is a priority. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that some users may prefer for a tactile experience. Thus, users seeking a lighter switch for long hours of use might gravitate toward the Flaming Pink, while those desiring a firmer push should consider the New North Pole V2. Overall, the two switches differ, with the Flaming Pink being lighter and the New North Pole V2 heavier in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This notable difference in travel distance affects the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. For those who favor quicker response times, the Flaming Pink offers a shorter distance to reach the actuation point, making it a preferable choice for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2, with its 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel and tactile feedback, catering to users who appreciate a deeper pressing experience. Ultimately, the Flaming Pink is the shorter option, whereas the New North Pole V2 is the longer, allowing users to make a decision based on their preferences for responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a bright yet not overly loud profile, creating a pleasant auditory experience for both gaming and typing. It features a satisfying bottom-out sound that emphasizes the premium feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch, while not featuring a rubber dampener like its predecessor, presents a crisper typing sound. Its sound signature might be sharper compared to the Flaming Pink, but it's crucial to consider that the overall acoustics can also be significantly affected by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switches provide a smooth and responsive experience, ideal for users looking for a balance of comfort and performance. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 switches are characterized by a polished and creamy sensation, resulting from their refined finish and potential factory lubing. Users often experience a frictionless typing feel, which emphasizes the effortless glide throughout the keystroke. This frictionless quality can make the typing experience with the New North Pole V2 particularly appealing, as it minimizes any resistance when pressing the keys.
Overall, both TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches cater to users seeking smooth and responsive typing experiences, albeit with slightly different sound profiles and tactile qualities. The Flaming Pink offers a satisfying auditory experience suited for various applications, while the New North Pole V2 emphasizes a polished and frictionless feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to personal preference regarding sound and the nuanced feel of key presses; however, both switches promise a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between TTC Flaming Pink linear switches and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a lighter actuation with a satisfying sound profile, the Flaming Pink switches, with their 50-gram bottom-out force, are ideal for both gaming and daily use, providing a smooth and responsive feel that many find enjoyable. They create a bright yet moderately loud sound, making them a great option if you're looking for tactile feedback without being overly noisy. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a firmer 62.5-gram bottom-out force, the New North Pole V2 switches might be more suited to you. They offer a polished and creamy feel, ensuring a frictionless typing experience that retains the hallmark smoothness of the North Pole lineup, albeit with a crisper sound due to the absence of a rubber dampener. Thus, if you're after a switch that delivers a strong tactile feedback and a refined finish, the Gateron New North Pole V2 will meet those needs perfectly. In conclusion, your selection should align with whether you value a lighter, more responsive switch or a heavier, polished typing feel for a smoother glide.
Mentioned in this article
