TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, your decision will likely come down to your preference for feedback and sound profile. The Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle, nuanced tactile bump that provides a background presence, perfect for those who value understated tactile experiences and minimal distraction during typing. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 boasts a gummy and creamy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile that is satisfying to many users. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
65g
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
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron North Pole V2, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and clearer sound profile.
The choice of housing materials for the Gold Brown Pro and the North Pole V2 impacts not only the sound profile but also the feel of typing on these switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro creates a more rounded and duller sound when bottoming out, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 maintains a sharper and crisper sound. When pressing down on these switches, users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, emphasizing the differences in sound profile between the two switches.
Overall, while the Gold Brown Pro and the North Pole V2 both feature polycarbonate top housings, their choice of bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, creating a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound, catering to users looking for a different typing feel. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the unique characteristics of their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material selection in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, with the North Pole V2 being described as medium-heavy at 65 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of actuation force, users can expect different levels of feedback and response from each switch, but if the bottom out force is the same or not specified for both switches, they may provide similar results in terms of typing experience and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, we can see that the Gold Brown Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm while the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Brown Pro offers a shorter and more responsive feel, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed and quick response times. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 provides a slightly deeper feel with its longer travel distance, catering to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 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 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 Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, creating a deep and rich sound that is satisfying to the ears. With a neutral sound profile, it is suitable for various settings and user preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a subdued sound, generating a dampened tone that is more subtle compared to most switches. Both switches aim to provide a unique sound experience, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a deeper and more pronounced sound, while the North Pole V2 focuses on a more muted and understated sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle tactile feedback. The switch maintains a light typing feel while providing a two-stage tactile sensation due to its stepped design. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 is characterized by a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished feel, creating a unique typing experience that feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The smooth and buttery sensation of the creamy switch enhances the typing experience, while the bouncy feedback provides a lively feel to each keystroke.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown Pro provides a deep and rich sound with gentle tactile feedback for an immersive typing experience, the North Pole V2 offers a more subdued sound profile with a unique gummy and creamy feel that adds a fun element to typing. Both switches aim to cater to different preferences, with the Gold Brown Pro being more understated and polished, while the North Pole V2 offers a delightful and chewy typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy subtle tactility and a quiet typing environment, the Gold Brown Pro with its gentle tactile bump and subdued sound profile may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and gummy feel while typing, along with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the North Pole V2 could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
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