TTC Honey vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Gateron North Pole V2, both of which are linear switches. The TTC Honey is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a delightful typing experience. Additionally, these switches offer a deep and pleasant sound profile, enhancing the overall satisfaction of using them. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 is characterized as "gummy," providing a unique tactile sensation when typing. These switches emit a deep and muted sound, creating a sense of satisfaction with each keypress. While both switches share similarities in terms of their creamy and subdued qualities, the Honey switch leans more towards a frictionless and buttery feel, while the North Pole V2 offers a bouncy and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Honey Linear

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches share a similar composition, both utilizing polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings. This results in comparable qualities such as a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for those planning to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.

The main distinction between the two lies in how the qualities of the housing materials are distributed. With a switch like the Honey, the bottom housing plays a more prominent role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This differentiation allows for more nuanced feedback and a personalized typing experience for the user.

Despite the slightly varying effects of the top and bottom housings, both the TTC Honey and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate. The stiffer nature of this plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile overall. Additionally, the similarity in aesthetics due to the translucency of polycarbonate allows users to prioritize their desired lighting effects without compromising the quality of their typing experience. Ultimately, whether one chooses the Honey or the North Pole V2, they can expect comparable performance and auditory satisfaction.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the North Pole V2's slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Honey switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Honey has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the North Pole V2 has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that the North Pole V2 requires more force to fully press the keys down.

For those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Honey switch would be a suitable option, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for extended typing durations without causing strain or fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push and a more substantial typing feel may find the North Pole V2 switch more satisfying, as its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a tactile feedback and a sense of solidity during typing.

In summary, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a lighter and gentler typing experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a slightly heavier and more forceful typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have different travel distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Honey's travel distance is closer to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, while the North Pole V2 is slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the North Pole V2 to be more satisfying. Both switches offer their own unique feel, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The subjective qualities of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch can be compared in terms of sound and feel.

In terms of sound, both switches are described as subdued. This means that when pressed, they produce a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but more subtle compared to most switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, if you use either the Honey or the North Pole V2 switch with the same setup, you can expect similar results in terms of sound.

Moving on to the feel, the Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, while frictionless switches minimize resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Butteriness refers to a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while subtlety implies a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. Polished switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. In contrast, the North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished. Gummy switches provide a unique typing experience that feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, while bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Similar to the Honey switch, the North Pole V2 switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish.

In conclusion, both the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both offer a subdued sound profile and provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. While the Honey switch is described as more creamy and frictionless, the North Pole V2 switch has a gummy and bouncy feel. However, both switches are ultimately polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. So, if you are looking for a linear switch with a pleasant sound and a smooth feel, either of these switches will offer a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a light switch with a smooth and creamy typing feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a lighter touch while still providing a pleasant deep sound profile. The Honey switch is best known for its smooth and creamy typing experience, making it feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, it has a subdued sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams might be more suitable for you. The North Pole V2 switch is best known for its gummy feel, providing a unique typing experience reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. It also has a subdued sound profile, making it suitable for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Honey and Gateron North Pole V2 switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter, creamy typi

Mentioned in this article

TTC Honey Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more