TTC Honey vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey 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 popular options to consider are the TTC Honey, a linear switch, and the Gateron New North Pole V2, also a linear switch. The Honey switch is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a typing experience that is both subdued and buttery. Additionally, users appreciate the deep and pleasant sound profile that these switches offer. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switches from Gateron stand out for their crisper typing experience, thanks to the removal of a rubber dampener. However, Gateron has successfully retained the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup: a frictionless typing feel, ensuring a seamless glide and smoothness that users love. While these general characteristics are important to consider, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond the generalities so you can make the best decision on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
Both the TTC Honey and the Gateron New North Pole V2 feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which means they share many similarities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Hence, both switches will offer similar results in terms of sound and appearance.
However, even though they share the same housing material, the Honey and the New North Pole V2 may differ slightly due to variations in design and manufacturing. The qualities brought by the polycarbonate bottom housing of each switch will affect the bottom-out sound and feel. So, when you press down on the key of either switch, the impact and the resulting sound will be influenced by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the qualities of the polycarbonate top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when you release the key. Therefore, while the housing materials are the same, the slight differences in design and construction may result in subtle variations in overall sound and tactile feedback between the two switches.
In conclusion, both the TTC Honey and the Gateron New North Pole V2 utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, offering similar sound profiles and visual aesthetics. The polycarbonate material gives these switches a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while its translucency enhances the effect of RGB lighting. However, the specific design and construction of each switch may still cause slight differences in the sound and tactile feedback experienced when pressing and releasing the keys. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a switch with a clear and resonant sound, and a visually appealing option for RGB lighting, both the Honey and the New North Pole V2 will deliver satisfactory results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that they have different force requirements. The Honey has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke with a gentle press. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch may find the Honey more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where endurance is valued.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Honey has a force of 50 grams, which is the same as its actuation force. This suggests that the switch does not require additional force to fully press down. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which is higher than its actuation force. This indicates that some extra effort is needed to fully bottom out the key.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the TTC Honey linear switch more appealing due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a comfortable typing experience, especially for tasks that require prolonged keyboard usage. On the flip side, individuals who value a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has higher actuation and bottom out forces.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a lighter touch with lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience with higher forces required for both actuation and bottom out. As a result, users can choose the switch that matches their preferred typing style and the level of force they desire.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Honey has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the New North Pole V2.
A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional, offering a balanced keypress experience. On the other hand, a travel distance of 3.0 mm is the most shallow, providing a quicker response time. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who value faster reaction speeds. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance, such as the TTC Honey, would be ideal. However, it's important to note that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress, the switch with the longer travel distance, like the Gateron New North Pole V2, would be a better choice. Overall, both switches offer their respective advantages in terms of travel distance, and selecting one over the other would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey switch is best described as having a subdued sound profile. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Honey and the New North Pole V2 switches share some similarities. They are both described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or the factory lubing process. Additionally, both switches are described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation. They provide a seamless and effortless keystroke experience, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The New North Pole V2 is also described as frictionless, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Unfortunately, there is no available information specifically about the feel of the Honey switch.
Overall, the Honey switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while still maintaining a frictionless typing feel. Both switches have a polished finish and creamy typing sensation. While the sound qualities of the New North Pole V2 are unknown, it is likely to provide a similar feel to the Honey switch due to the shared descriptions of smoothness and creaminess. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light switch with a smooth and creamy feel, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a light typing experience. The Honey switches are best known for their smooth and creamy feel, as well as their deep and pleasant sound profile. They provide a subdued sound that is more subtle compared to most switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a crisper typing experience, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be more suitable for you. It has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing feel. The New North Pole V2 switches no longer have a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience. However, they still maintain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, offering a frictionless typing feel that Gateron users love.
In terms of sound, the Honey switches produce a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature. However, there is no information available about the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switches.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a creamy and polished typing experience. They provide smooth and buttery key travel, with the Honey switches being described as having a silky sensation and the New North Pole V2 switches offering a smooth and refined finish. Both switches are also known for their frictionless and effortless typing experience.
Overall, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smoother feel and a more subdued sound, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a crisper typing experience and a polished feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, you should try both switches and choose the one that provides the typing experience and sound profile that you prefer.
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