TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are seemingly endless options to choose from. Two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron New North Pole V2, a linear switch. The Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced nature, with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. They also have a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switches stand out for their crisper typing experience, thanks to the removal of the rubber dampener. However, they still retain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup: a frictionless typing feel, offering a seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. While these generalities can help guide your decision, it's important to dive in a bit deeper to determine which switch is the best fit for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in similar sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound quality. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a clear housing, which is a common characteristic of polycarbonate material. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows for vibrant and eye-catching illumination.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Brown differs with its nylon material, while the New North Pole V2 maintains polycarbonate for its bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Gold Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 contributes to the overall sharper and crisper sound quality of the switch.
The distinction between top and bottom housings is important to consider as it affects the sound and feel of the switch. The qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing will play a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding the influence of each housing material, enthusiasts can make an informed choice based on their preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Gold Brown requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the New North Pole V2 requires slightly less at 50 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balanced typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams of force for full depression, while the New North Pole V2 requires a slightly lighter 62.5 grams. Again, both switches fall within the medium range, indicating a similar level of feedback when fully pressed.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the New North Pole V2 due to its slightly lower actuation force. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, which is ideal for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gold Brown with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Ultimately, the differences in force between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch are minimal. Both switches offer a similar typing experience, falling within the medium range. Thus, whether one chooses the Gold Brown or the New North Pole V2, they can expect comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and reliable typing experience with identical travel distances, ensuring that you will achieve similar results in terms of keypress depth. Therefore, users can expect a comparable tactile and linear feel when using either the TTC Gold Brown or the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced profile. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and a softer sound compared to most switches, without being completely silent. On the other hand, there is no available information on the sound of the New North Pole V2 switch. However, it's 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, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. It is also described as buttery, meaning it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It is also known for its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch is also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. It provides reduced friction and smooth key travel, similar to the Gold Brown switch. Additionally, it is described as creamy, which suggests that it offers a silky and effortless typing sensation. The New North Pole V2 switch is also known for its frictionless feel, providing an extremely smooth and easy typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offer smooth and polished typing experiences. They both have reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and effortless typing sensation. While the specifics of the sound profile for the New North Pole V2 switch are unknown, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of feel, providing a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. The Gold Browns are known for their balanced qualities, with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. They offer a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2s provide a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while still maintaining the seamless glide and smoothness that users love. In terms of sound, the Gold Brown is described as neutral, suitable for most intents and purposes. Unfortunately, we do not have a specific descriptor for the sound of the New North Pole V2. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown offers a mild and buttery typing experience, with accented tactility and a polished finish for reduced friction. Similarly, the New North Pole V2 also has a polished finish, with a creamy and frictionless typing experience. Overall, consider your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the level of tactility you desire, when making your decision between these two switches.
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