TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a smooth typing experience, both the TTC Gold Red and Gateron North Pole V2 are excellent choices. The Gold Red offers a buttery smooth feel with a light-medium level of resistance, providing a pleasant and effortless typing experience. It also has a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too attention-grabbing. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is best described as gummy, providing a deep and muted sound profile along with a satisfying chewy typing feel. It offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience that is hard to match. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can choose the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for effective illumination.
However, there is a difference when it comes to the bottom housings. The Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the North Pole V2 uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on the Gold Red with its nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to its overall sound profile, adding to the sharper and crisper sound.
When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt more prominently. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced upon key release.
In summary, while both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Overall, these differences in housing materials result in distinct auditory experiences, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, whereas the North Pole V2 requires 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Red requires 50 grams of force, while the North Pole V2 needs a heavier 65 grams.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lightweight typing experience may opt for the Gold Red switch, as its lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This would be ideal for a work keyboard or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel and a stronger typing experience may lean towards the North Pole V2 switch, as its heavier actuation force provides a more satisfying tactile response.
It's worth mentioning that while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between these two switches, the differences are minimal. This means that, in practice, the typing results obtained from both switches may be quite similar. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same 4 mm of distance traveled. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other since their travel distances are equal.
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 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
The Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. When pressed, it produces a deep and satisfying sound, similar to a soft knock or thud. The sound is not too loud or ostentatious, adding a modest touch of personality to your keyboard. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 linear switch has a more subdued sound profile. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle and muted sound signature compared to most switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also depend on other factors such as the choice of the board and keycaps used. In terms of sound, users can expect different results between the two switches, with the Gold Red providing a thocky and low-pitched sound, and the North Pole V2 offering a more subdued sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. The switch is approachable to most users as its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. It is exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Gold Red switch has a gentle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and its refined finish provides a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished. It offers a unique typing experience, feeling like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. It provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch also has a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving you rebound when pressed. Both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and smooth typing experience, with a light-medium level of resistance. It offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 switch offers a more subdued sound profile and a unique gummy typing feel. It has a creamy, bouncy, and polished sensation when typing. While the two switches have different qualities, they both provide desirable characteristics and can deliver similar results. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and which qualities align with the user's typing preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light to medium typing experience with a buttery smooth feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a gentle resistance and a subtle sound profile that is suitable for shared spaces. They provide a polished and refined typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a gummy and creamy feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the ideal choice. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a unique typing sensation that feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. They provide a deep and muted sound profile along with a spring-like feedback, giving you a bouncy and elastic feel when typing. Overall, both switches have their distinct characteristics, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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