TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron New North Pole V2 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to a wide range of users. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility and ease of press, providing a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature suitable for any environment. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 boasts a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener while maintaining a frictionless typing feel that Gateron is known for. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gold Red Pro and the New North Pole V2, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Gold Red Pro features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
The differences in housing materials between the Gold Red Pro and the New North Pole V2 impact the overall typing experience. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel, with the bottom housing playing a larger role in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red Pro provides a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 offers a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the top housing's impact on the sound when releasing a key is influenced by the use of polycarbonate in both switches, resulting in a clear and resonant sound.
Overall, while both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in material provide users with distinct typing experiences, offering a variety of sound profiles to suit individual preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches deliver unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, it is worth noting that the bottom out force of the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the New North Pole V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use, the Gold Red Pro may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the New North Pole V2 for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear 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 both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Gold Red Pro provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Gold Red Pro for its faster actuation, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the New North Pole V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of the tactile feel and response time desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
The sound of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is often described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience without being too loud or overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown. However, both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences.
In terms of feel, both the Gold Red Pro and New North Pole V2 switches are described as polished, offering a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction. The Gold Red Pro is further characterized as silky, mild, and subtle, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel suitable for shared spaces. The New North Pole V2, on the other hand, is described as creamy and frictionless, offering a buttery smooth typing experience with effortless key presses. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize a frictionless typing feel that enhances the overall smoothness of typing.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch both offer versatile and smooth typing experiences with neutral sound profiles. While the Gold Red Pro focuses on subtlety and gentleness in its feel, the New North Pole V2 emphasizes a buttery smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to a wide range of preferences and offer a delightful typing experience for users in various settings. Whether you choose the Gold Red Pro or the New North Pole V2, you can expect a satisfying and smooth typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a versatile switch with a seamless typing experience and neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a crisper typing feel and a frictionless glide, the New North Pole V2 could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose based on your personal typing style and environment.
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