TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is praised for its rapid responsiveness, resulting in a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke, accompanied by a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is all about a gummy and chewy typing experience, with a deep and muted sound profile. While the Gold Silver exudes speed, sound, and fluidity, the North Pole V2 offers a creamy and subdued typing feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron North Pole V2, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. Despite the similarities in top housing material, the Gold Silver stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, emphasizing a clear and resonant sound profile throughout the switch.
While both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housing, the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron North Pole V2 differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller typing experience, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile characteristic of the switch, aligning with the qualities of its top housing. This contrast highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
In understanding the role of top and bottom housing materials in a switch, it becomes clear that each material brings distinct qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, as it absorbs sound and influences the overall typing sound profile. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, contributing to the overall auditory experience of typing on the switch. By carefully selecting the appropriate housing materials for both top and bottom, keyboard manufacturers can tailor the sound profile of a switch to meet the needs and preferences of different users.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. The Gold Silver switch does not specify a bottom out force, while the North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Gold Silver switch, while the Gateron North Pole V2 switch would be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Gold Silver provides a quicker response time which is favored by gamers, while the 4 mm travel distance of the North Pole V2 may feel more substantial and less abrupt to some users. Both switches offer a different feel when pressed, with the shorter travel distance of the Gold Silver offering a quicker and more responsive key press, while the longer travel distance of the North Pole V2 may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch is best described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep and rich sound profile that is both satisfying and melodious. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch offers a more subdued sound, producing a dampened and subtle sound signature that is delicate yet still audible. Ultimately, both switches excel in providing a unique auditory experience that can cater to different preferences, with the Gold Silver offering a more robust and resonant sound compared to the North Pole V2's more understated and gentle sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver switch is characterized by its polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience. The smooth and refined finish of the switch ensures a sleek and frictionless typing feel, while also providing a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch offers a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing sensation. The gummy texture of the switch gives it a unique and delightful feel, similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, while also providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke. Both switches offer a distinct and enjoyable typing feel that caters to different preferences, with the Gold Silver focusing on a more refined and subtle feel compared to the North Pole V2's bouncy and creamy texture.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer unique and exceptional qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Silver excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound profile along with a polished and silky typing feel, the North Pole V2 stands out with its subdued sound signature and gummy, creamy typing sensation. Regardless of your preference, both switches deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience that combines speed, sound, and fluidity in every keystroke. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gold Silver or the North Pole V2, you can expect a high level of quality and performance that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value rapid responsiveness, precise bottom-out with a resonant sound, smooth travel, and a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, then the TTC Gold Silver may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gummy, creamy, or bouncy typing feel with a subdued sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2 might be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Be sure to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your choice.
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