KTT Mallo vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and the Gateron North Pole V2 offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mallo is revered for its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, providing a balanced experience without overpowering feedback. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 boasts a gummy and creamy typing sensation with a deep and muted sound profile. While the Mallo's neutral sound signature makes it versatile for various typing environments, the North Pole V2's polished and bouncy feel adds a unique touch to the 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Gateron North Pole V2, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. Polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. While both switches share this top housing material, the Mallo stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gateron North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housing, the impact of the bottom housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switch cannot be overlooked. The split between the bottom and top housings allows for a unique typing experience, where the qualities of the bottom housing material come into play during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This differentiation in housing materials provides a diverse tactile and auditory experience for users of both switches, allowing for a customizable and dynamic typing experience. While the Mallo's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound produced by the top housing material.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Gateron North Pole V2 showcase the importance of material selection in creating a unique sound and feel for mechanical switches. While both switches opt for polycarbonate in the top housing for its clear and resonant sound profile, the differentiation in bottom housing materials results in distinct typing experiences. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials allows for a customizable typing experience that caters to individual preferences in sound and tactile response.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch differ in terms of weight. The KTT Mallo has a light actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Gateron North Pole V2 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a distinct tactile experience, with the Mallo being lighter and the North Pole V2 being heavier. Depending on personal preference, individuals may opt for the lighter Mallo for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more pronounced push feel may prefer the heavier North Pole V2 for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Despite having the same travel distance, the Mallo is a tactile switch, providing feedback when actuated, while the North Pole V2 is a linear switch known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes. In terms of distance, there is no difference in travel between these two switches, resulting in similar typing experiences on both.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
The Gateron 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 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Mallo and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches offer a subdued sound profile, making them suitable for quiet typing environments. The Mallo provides a more neutral sound signature, while the North Pole V2 offers a deeper and muted sound experience, akin to a gummy texture when typing. Depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, these switches can deliver a satisfying auditory experience without being obtrusive.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Mallo switches are described as having a feathery and mild typing feel, with a subtle tactile bump that enhances typing feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 switches offer a gummy, creamy, and bouncy typing experience, providing a smooth and elastic feedback sensation. Both switches aim to reduce finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, with the Mallo focusing on a light actuation force and the North Pole V2 delivering a unique sensation akin to bottoming out on a trampoline.
In summary, the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mallo leans towards a more subtle and neutral sound with a gentle typing feel, the North Pole V2 provides a deep and muted sound profile with a gummy and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that typists can find a switch that suits their individual typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-light typing feel with a subtle tactility and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo may be the perfect choice for you. It offers a balanced experience that suits various typing environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force with a gummy and muted typing feel, the North Pole V2 could be the ideal switch for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle tactile experience with a feathery typing feel or a chewy linear typing sensation with a medium-heavy touch. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing habits to enhance your overall typing experience.
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