KTT Laurel vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

The KTT Laurel and the Gateron North Pole V2 are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that both fall under the category of linear switches. The Laurel is best known for its medium-light weight and its ability to strike the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel switch offers a smooth typing experience. Additionally, users can enjoy a subtly low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is characterized by a delightful gummy sensation when typing. It provides a deep and muted sound profile, along with a satisfyingly chewy typing feel. It is categorized as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Laurel and the Gateron North Pole V2 have contrasting housing materials that contribute to different sound profiles. The Laurel features POM (Polyoxymethylene) housings for both its top and bottom housing. POM creates a deeper and relatively muted sound profile, which can be pleasing to users seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially useful for users who enjoy a more resonant and impactful sound when typing.

As for the aesthetic aspect, the housing materials also differ in terms of transparency. POM does not typically offer translucency, while polycarbonate is often used for switches with clear housings to showcase RGB lighting. Therefore, if you prefer to have vibrant and visually captivating RGB lighting effects, the North Pole V2 with its polycarbonate housing would be a better choice.

It is worth mentioning that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom housing of a switch. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In this regard, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing would provide a sharper and crisper sensation compared to the deeper and relatively muted feel of the Laurel's POM bottom housing. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound. Therefore, the North Pole V2's polycarbonate top housing would create a clearer and more resonant sound when compared to the Laurel's POM top housing. Despite these differences, it is possible to achieve similar results by selecting switches with matching housing materials for the top and bottom, such as both POM or polycarbonate, if you desire consistency in the sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, we find some notable differences. The Laurel has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the North Pole V2's slightly heavier 50 grams. This means that the Laurel requires a gentler push to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Laurel again has a lighter force of 50 grams, while the North Pole V2 has a medium-heavy force of 65 grams. This indicates that the North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push required. If one prefers a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Laurel would be a suitable choice. However, for those seeking a more robust and tactile typing experience, the North Pole V2 with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a better fit. Overall, while the Laurel is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, the North Pole V2 offers a medium-heavy option for those desiring a more substantial typing feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Laurel offers a shorter distance compared to the North Pole V2, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Gamers, in particular, often favor shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times during intense gameplay. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more hearty depth to their keystrokes might find the longer travel distance of the North Pole V2 to be more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch has a deep and muted sound profile which is described as subdued. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive. This responsiveness is often attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch is described as gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished. The gummy feel of these switches provides a unique typing experience where bottoming out feels similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. The creamy feel suggests a smooth and buttery typing experience, possibly due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. The bouncy nature of these switches offers a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Lastly, the polished nature of the North Pole V2 switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, based on the available information, the KTT Laurel switch provides a medium-light linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a snappy feel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switch offers a gummy typing feel, along with a deep and muted sound profile. While these switches have their own unique qualities, it's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps to achieve the desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you're looking for a medium-light linear switch that offers a balance of responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel is a great choice. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams and full POM housing, this switch provides a snappy typing experience. Additionally, the Laurel has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives a more mellow and bass-heavy tone when compared to higher-pitched switches.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a unique typing experience, the Gateron North Pole V2 is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, this switch offers a chewy and gummy typing feel. The North Pole V2 also has a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and more subtle sound when pressed.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Laurel and the Gateron North Pole V2 depends on your preferences for weight, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a lighter or heavier switch, and whether you enjoy a low-pitched or subdued sound profile. Both switches have their own advantages and can enhance your typing experience in different ways.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more