TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron New North Pole V2. Both switches fall into the linear switch category, but they offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Pink, with its 37g actuation force, is renowned for its lightweight and effortless typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize speed and precision, making it perfect for rapid typing or gaming. Additionally, the Gold Pink provides a satisfying level of feedback with its clacky sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 distinguishes itself by removing the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience. Despite this change, Gateron has successfully maintained the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup – a frictionless typing feel. Users can still enjoy the seamless glide and smoothness that they have come to love. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The main similarity between the housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron New North Pole V2 is their use of polycarbonate in the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an excellent choice for switches that prioritize sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches in both cases.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Pink utilizes nylon, while the New North Pole V2 employs polycarbonate. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, with the Gold Pink offering a deeper sound and the New North Pole V2 giving a crisper and sharper sound.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron New North Pole V2 utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, ensuring a similar sound profile and the potential for impressive RGB lighting effects. However, the choice of a nylon bottom housing for the Gold Pink and a polycarbonate bottom housing for the New North Pole V2 introduces a distinction in terms of sound characteristics and typing experience. Users can expect a deeper and fuller sound from the Gold Pink due to nylon's absorbent nature, while the New North Pole V2 will feature a sharper and crisper sound thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Pink has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Pink requires 45 grams of force, whereas the New North Pole V2 has a higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Pink switch would be a suitable choice as it requires a lower actuation and bottom out force. This lighter force can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it allows for reduced fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the New North Pole V2 switch, as its higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push and a more pronounced typing experience.
In terms of weight consideration, those who prefer lighter switches would find the Gold Pink more favorable, while those seeking a heavier switch would gravitate towards the New North Pole V2. It is important to note that while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between these two switches, both can provide satisfactory results based on personal preferences.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. This ensures that you will have a consistent typing experience with either switch, as the travel distance is identical. Whether you choose the TTC Gold Pink or the Gateron New North Pole V2, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels when activated.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
The Gold Pink linear switch is known for delivering a light and lively typing experience with its 37g actuation force. It is designed for those who value fast and effortless typing, making it perfect for rapid typing or gaming. The switch provides a satisfying level of feedback with its clacky sound, adding to the overall typing experience. It can be described as "buttery," offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Gold Pink switch is also considered "mild," providing a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. This switch is exceptionally light to press, requiring little exertion from your fingers, and is often described as "feathery." Overall, the Gold Pink switch delivers a light and smooth typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions.
On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 linear switch no longer has a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience compared to its predecessor. It still retains the frictionless typing feel that users have come to love from the North Pole lineup. The switch offers a seamless glide and smoothness, providing an effortless typing experience. In terms of sound, the information provided does not specifically describe the sound of the New North Pole V2 switch.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Pink and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches excel in providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. They offer similar qualities in terms of polished finish, reduced friction, and smooth key travel. While the Gold Pink switch is described as "buttery," "mild," and "feathery," the specific sound quality is not mentioned. The New North Pole V2 switch, on the other hand, is described as "polished," "creamy," and "frictionless," with no specific information about its sound. Due to their similar qualities and focus on smooth typing, both switches are expected to deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slight differences in sound and specific feel. Using either of these switches, you can expect a smooth and effortless typing experience, particularly when paired with a compatible keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light and lively typing experience, perfect for rapid typing or gaming, the Gold Pink is the switch for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams and an actuation force of 37 grams, these switches offer a fast and effortless typing experience with a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, if you value a crisper typing experience with a frictionless typing feel, the New North Pole V2 is the switch to go for. Although it has a higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams, these switches maintain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup and provide a seamless glide and smoothness that users love. Consider the sound and feel descriptors mentioned earlier to further refine your decision, as the Gold Pink offers a range of qualities from subtle to feathery, while the New North Pole V2 is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's up to you to choose the one that best suits your typing preferences.
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