TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red switch is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance. It provides a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 eliminates the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience. Despite this change, Gateron retains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup – a frictionless typing feel. For those who value a polished, mild, and silky switch, the Gold Red may be the ideal choice. Meanwhile, the New North Pole V2 offers a creamy, polished feel with added liveliness and a frictionless glide. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Both the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for switches with RGB lighting. With similar top housings, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal when using either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that the bottom housing of the Gold Red contributes more to the overall sound and feel of bottoming out the switch, providing a distinct typing experience.
In summary, while the top housings of the TTC Gold Red and Gateron New North Pole V2 are both made of polycarbonate and offer similar benefits in terms of sound and RGB lighting, the bottom housings differ. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red enhances the typing experience by producing a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 focuses on maintaining a clear and resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Gold Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the New North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Gold Red provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it favorable for those who prefer a smoother and more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a slightly more substantial push feel, which can lead to a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, the choice between these two switches would largely depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether opting for a lighter or heavier force, both switches can deliver similar results depending on the user's preference.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch are equal, with both switches having a 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 traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, no matter which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
The sound profile of the TTC Gold Red linear switches can be described as thocky and low-pitched. When pressed and released, these switches produce a deep and satisfying sound, similar to a soft thud or knock. The neutral sound profile of the Gold Red switches makes them suitable for most users and environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red linear switches offer a mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. With a gentle resistance and a light-medium level of smoothness, these switches provide a comfortable typing feel that most users will find approachable. The polished finish of the Gold Red switches contributes to their smooth and refined typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches is unknown, except for the fact that they also have a polished finish. However, this suggests that they may also offer a sleek and smooth typing experience, with reduced friction and effortless key travel.
Based on the available information, both the TTC Gold Red and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches offer smooth typing experiences with a polished finish. While the Gold Red switches have a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switches is unknown. Additionally, both switches provide a gentle resistance and a light-medium level of smoothness, making them suitable for most users. Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth feel and a polished finish, either the Gold Red or the New North Pole V2 switches should provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, adding a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches provide a mild and subtle typing experience, with a polished finish that enhances smoothness and reduces friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience and want a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be a suitable option. These switches retain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel. They also have a polished finish, ensuring a sleek and smooth key travel. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 switches are described as creamy, offering a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes.
Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel. Both switches have their unique qualities and excel in different aspects, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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