TKC Kiwi vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and Gateron New North Pole V2 are two popular choices, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Kiwi switches are known for their tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump at the top of each key press. Additionally, these switches offer a snappy sound profile that immerses you in your typing. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switches offer a linear feel without a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing experience. However, they still maintain the seamless glide and smoothness that Gateron users have grown to love. Both switches offer their own advantages, but understanding their individual characteristics will enable you to make an informed decision.

By the numbers

TKC Kiwi Tactile

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$8.00 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron New North Pole V2 differ in their composition. The Kiwi features a UHWMPE (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene) top housing, while the New North Pole V2 incorporates a polycarbonate top housing. These materials result in distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi provides a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing, creating a satisfying audible experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes the New North Pole V2 switches ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced and precise auditory feedback while typing.

In terms of aesthetics, the difference in housing materials becomes evident. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, making it suitable for those who desire a visually immersive keyboard experience. Meanwhile, the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi lacks the translucent properties of polycarbonate but compensates by providing a distinctive sound profile. If RGB lighting is not a priority, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing may still deliver a satisfying tactile and acoustic experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Kiwi and the New North Pole V2 utilize the same material, namely polycarbonate. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory feedback of both switches. However, it is worth noting that the impact and sound experienced when bottoming out a key are primarily influenced by the bottom housing. Therefore, users can expect similar bottom-out sound and feel from both the Kiwi and the New North Pole V2, thanks to the shared polycarbonate bottom housings.

In summary, the housing materials of the TKC Kiwi and the Gateron New North Pole V2, particularly in their top housings, offer distinct characteristics. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi provides a bright sound signature, while the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the New North Pole V2 allows for RGB lighting, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE housing focuses more on sound satisfaction. However, both switches share polycarbonate bottom housings, resulting in similar bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, visual aesthetics, and typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the TKC Kiwi tactile switch to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires a slightly higher force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that typing on the Kiwi switch will feel slightly lighter and more responsive compared to the New North Pole V2. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Kiwi requires a heavier force of 67 grams, while the New North Pole V2 has a slightly lighter force of 62.5 grams. This means that when fully pressing down on the keys, the Kiwi switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, while the New North Pole V2 will offer a slightly lighter and less rigid feel. Overall, the Kiwi switch is a medium-heavy option, while the New North Pole V2 falls into the medium category. Therefore, depending on personal preference, users may opt for the lighter and more responsive typing experience of the Kiwi or the slightly heavier and more substantial feel of the New North Pole V2.

Travel distance

The TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same 4 mm distance traveled from top to bottom. Both switches provide a consistent travel distance, ensuring a familiar typing experience for users. Whether you choose the TKC Kiwi or the Gateron New North Pole V2, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of the Kiwi switches is described as satisfyingly snappy, delivering an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is unknown. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, so different setups may yield variations in sound regardless of the switch used. Therefore, if you are looking for a low-pitched sound, the TKC Kiwi switches would be a suitable choice, but for the Gateron New North Pole V2, it's difficult to ascertain without further information.

When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch exhibits several qualities. First, it is described as a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This provides a mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches, which have a more pronounced bump throughout the keystroke. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are also described as accented, striking a balance between prominent tactility and a non-scratchy feel. This means that the switch offers a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Lastly, the Kiwi switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This leads to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, partly due to the materials used and factory lubing.

On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch also possesses a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Furthermore, it is described as creamy, indicating a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to the application of lubricant in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on the New North Pole V2 switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, resulting in a silky sensation. Lastly, these switches are characterized as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Overall, both switches aim to provide a polished and smooth typing experience, with the Gateron New North Pole V2 emphasizing a creamier and frictionless feel compared to the TKC Kiwi.

In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switches are known for their low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfyingly snappy and immersive typing experience. With a stepped and accented feel, coupled with a polished finish, the Kiwi switches offer a medium-tactile switch that is smooth and refined. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches maintain a polished and smooth feel, with the added descriptors of creamy and frictionless to enhance the typing experience. Both switches prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, but with slight variations in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but both switches are engineered to provide a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy feel and a satisfying bump at the top of each key press. Additionally, they come lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, these switches offer a medium feel and retain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup: a seamless glide and smoothness that users love. When it comes to sound, the Kiwi switches have a low-pitched and neutral profile, while the New North Pole V2 switches don't have a specific sound description provided. In terms of feel, the Kiwi switches are described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a mild tactility and reduced friction. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switches are described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch will depend on your preference for tactility, typing experience, and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

TKC Kiwi Tactile

$8.00 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more