TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides a subtle, nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump, perfect for those who appreciate understated tactile experiences. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, maintaining a frictionless typing feel. While the Gold Brown Pro focuses on a low-pitched, silky, and mild typing experience, the New North Pole V2 provides a creamy and polished feel. Both switches have their unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different types of typists. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the New North Pole V2, it is evident that both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing. This means that both switches will offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, where the two switches differ is in the bottom housing material. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile.
Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their bottom housing materials will impact the overall typing experience. Typing on the Gold Brown Pro will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its nylon bottom housing. Conversely, typing on the New North Pole V2 will offer a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its polycarbonate bottom housing. The impact of these housing materials will be particularly noticeable when bottoming out keys, as the bottom housing has a significant influence on the sound and feel of the switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. While both the Gold Brown Pro and the New North Pole V2 share polycarbonate top housings, their choice of bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with nylon or a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate, these differences in housing materials allow for customization in the typing experience to suit individual preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, whereas the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which is considered medium. When it comes to weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the New North Pole V2 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, the New North Pole V2 provides a bit more depth in key travel. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the New North Pole V2. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, catering to individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound with a mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches offer a neutral sound profile, ensuring that they are versatile options for different preferences and environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Brown Pro is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal sound resonance. In comparison, the Gateron New North Pole V2 also features a polished feel, along with creamy and frictionless characteristics that provide a buttery and effortless typing experience with fluid key travel. Both switches emphasize smoothness in their tactile feedback, making them ideal choices for users who prioritize comfort and ease of use.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches each have their unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Gold Brown Pro is known for its thocky sound and polished, subtle feel, the New North Pole V2 offers a creamy typing experience with frictionless key travel. Ultimately, both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying and seamless typing experience regardless of their choice. If you enjoy one, you are likely to get similar results with the other in terms of overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback with a gentle bump and subdued sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience with frictionless glide and smoothness, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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