TTC Ice vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to nuances that can greatly affect your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Ice switches stand out with their stunning crystal-clear transparent design, offering a smooth and responsive feel that many users find particularly satisfying, especially when paired with a deliberate bottom-out sound. This makes them an excellent choice for both gamers seeking precision and everyday typists who appreciate a premium feel. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches have made significant improvements over their predecessor by eliminating the rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience that many enthusiasts find appealing. Despite this change, they continue to boast the frictionless, polished glide that Gateron is known for, ensuring a creamy feel that's ideal for fast-paced gameplay as well as comfortable long typing sessions. 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 Ice Linear

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Ice and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both feature housing made from polycarbonate, which creates a distinct sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The use of polycarbonate in their top housings contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound, which enhances the overall acoustic performance of the switches. As polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it effectively resonates sound waves, resulting in a more vivid auditory experience. Furthermore, both switches leverage the aesthetic appeal of translucent polycarbonate, which not only showcases RGB lighting beautifully but also underscores the premium nature of the switches, as clear housings are often synonymous with high-quality materials.

In terms of their bottom housings, both the Ice and New North Pole V2 switches continue with the trend of using polycarbonate. The inherent properties of polycarbonate remain consistent, providing a cohesive sound experience across both switches. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, ensuring that users receive a satisfying tactile feedback regardless of their choice between the two brands. Since both switch designs rely on the same material for their bottom housings, the end result is a resonant sound profile that remains razor-sharp and pronounced, emphasizing the mechanical precision both switches are renowned for.

Despite the apparent similarities, the overall sound experience when using the TTC Ice and Gateron New North Pole V2 can vary slightly depending on the specific tuning and design attributes each switch may incorporate beyond just the housing material. If both switch types were to use polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, users could expect similar audio characteristics during operation. However, the interaction of each switch design’s internal components and any potential variations in construction may introduce subtle differences in the feel and acoustics. Therefore, while the shared polycarbonate material ensures a comparable performance baseline, unique design elements may impart distinct nuances to user experience with each switch.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we find some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the TTC Ice switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Gateron switch, being the heavier choice, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and deliberate push feel while typing. Both switches have a medium weight classification, suggesting that they may provide a similar typing experience, though users will notice the subtle differences in actuation and bottom out forces when using them.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The TTC Ice has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ice switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the New North Pole V2, with its deeper 4 mm travel, may feel more satisfying and deliberate for those who prefer a richer typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for more responsiveness, the TTC Ice would be the preferable choice, whereas if you enjoy a more substantial key feel, then the Gateron New North Pole V2 could be the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering sound, the TTC Ice linear switch provides a satisfying bottom-out noise that enhances its appeal for both gaming and typing. It's known for a premium auditory feedback that, while not overly loud, still offers a pleasant note when keys are fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2, while also smooth in action, tends to present a crisper sound profile due to the absence of the rubber dampener present in its predecessor. This change gives it a more pronounced, clearer auditory experience, although individual perceptions may vary depending on the keyboard setup used, including the choice of keycaps and board materials.

Regarding feel, the TTC Ice switch is characterized by its smooth and responsive action, catering to users who appreciate a high-quality typing experience. The sensation of each keystroke provides a certain satisfaction that facilitates both typing and gaming activities. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches excel with their polished and creamy characteristics, enabling a notably silky typing experience. The frictionless feel of the New North Pole V2 elevates ease of use, allowing for rapid typing without any resistance, something that aligns well with the desires of fast-paced gamers and typists alike.

In conclusion, while both the TTC Ice and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches embody smoothness and responsiveness suited for diverse tasks, they present distinct auditory qualities and nuances in feel. The Ice boasts a satisfying sound alongside a responsive feel, while the New North Pole V2 emphasizes a crisper sound and an ultra-smooth typing experience. Choosing between them may come down to individual preferences for sound and feel, but either option promises a commendable typing experience that balances performance with enjoyment.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the type of experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you appreciate a visually striking switch with a solid, crystal-clear design and a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Ice switch stands out as an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a balanced feel that can cater well to both gaming and everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a polished and creamy typing experience with a frictionless feel, then the New North Pole V2 is the way to go. While it has a slightly higher bottom-out force at 62.5 grams, its design aims to deliver a crisp typing sensation without the rubber dampener, making it ideal for those seeking a more tactile feedback without compromising smoothness. Thus, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you value aesthetics and sound or a refined typing performance, aligning with your specific typing preferences and keyboard usage.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Ice Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more