KTT Matcha vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Matcha and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The KTT Matcha is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable and snappy typing experience. Its long pole stem ensures a distinct and clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that provides a crisper typing experience without the rubber dampener found in its predecessor. It retains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel. While these general descriptions can help you make an initial choice, it's important to delve deeper to find the switch that best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches are both made of polycarbonate. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it an ideal choice for keyboard switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches.
Although both switches have polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced by the bottom housing. The stiffer and more resonant properties of polycarbonate in the bottom housing contribute to a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel.
Conversely, when you release a key, the sound will be more affected by the properties of the top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a clearer and crisper sound when letting go of a key. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also allows for better visibility and diffusion of RGB lighting, creating an aesthetically pleasing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Matcha and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches offer similar results in terms of their housing materials. The shared use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings provides the switches with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enables the utilization of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches. However, it is important to remember that the bottom housing plays a role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, several differences become apparent. The Matcha switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which means it requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the New North Pole V2's actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Matcha switch again is lighter with 45 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires a heavier force of 62.5 grams. Therefore, the Matcha switch provides a lighter and more effortless typing experience, ideal for those who need to type for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 offers a more substantial typing feel, requiring a stronger push, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a more robust and tactile typing experience. While both switches offer different levels of resistance, each serves specific preferences, ensuring that individuals can find switches that suit their personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
The Gateron New 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 New 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, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch are not provided. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a combination of qualities. It is described as stepped, meaning it has a two-stage feel with some noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it is labeled as snappy, indicating a high responsiveness due to longer or dual-staged springs, making typing feel more alive. The Matcha switch is also described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Furthermore, it is mentioned to have a feathery feel, which means it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Lastly, it has a subtle typing feel without being overly resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is described using different qualities. It is labeled as polished, suggesting a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through reduced friction and smooth key travel, either due to materials used or factory lubing. Moreover, the New North Pole V2 switches are described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience akin to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. It is also mentioned to be frictionless, indicating an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a clacky sound, stepped and snappy feel with accented tactility, feathery lightness, and a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provides a polished typing feel, creamy smoothness, and a frictionless typing experience. While the specific sound characteristics of the New North Pole V2 are unknown, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Depending on the desired typing experience, users can expect to achieve similar results in certain aspects, such as smoothness and responsiveness.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom-out force, a comfortable and snappy tactility, and a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha is the switch for you. It offers a stepped feel, snappy response, an accented tactility that is not overpowering, and a feathery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force, but with a polished finish, a creamy and buttery typing experience, and a frictionless feel, then the Gateron New North Pole V2 is the switch you should choose. It offers a smooth and refined typing experience, effortless key travel, and a sense of fluidity when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal preferences for tactility and typing experience.
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