KTT Miaowu vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Miaowu and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both of which are linear switches. The Miaowu switch from KTT is favored for its enhanced stem stability and smooth keystroke action, thanks to the utilization of POK in its stem, making it stand out from other switches with conventional POM stems. Known for its 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky' characteristics, the Miaowu switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 from Gateron boasts a crisper typing experience, as the removal of the rubber dampener ensures a more tactile response. Despite this change, Gateron has maintained the signature frictionless typing feel that users enjoy, giving it a 'Polished', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless' categorization. It ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between these switches; 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the Gateron New North Pole V2, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Miaowu stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their bottom housings leads to distinct sound experiences. The Miaowu's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound that contrasts with the sharper and crisper sound of the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. The split between these housing materials results in unique sound profiles when pressing down on the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the KTT Miaowu and the Gateron New North Pole V2 significantly impacts the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of both the top and bottom housings in shaping the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Miaowu is lighter in both aspects. The Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This makes the Miaowu ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of use without fatigue. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a slightly heavier push, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Miaowu offering a lighter touch and the New North Pole V2 providing a medium-weight option for users seeking a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Miaowu offers a shorter travel distance compared to the New North Pole V2, which means it may appeal more to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a slightly longer travel distance, which can offer a more satisfying tactile sensation for some individuals who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. Both switches offer their own advantages based on personal preferences, with the Miaowu being the shorter option and the New North Pole V2 being the longer one. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch's sound characteristics are not specified, so it is hard to compare directly in this aspect. However, both switches' sound profiles can be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used alongside them.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. This means that the Gateron switch has a smooth and refined finish, potentially due to factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. It also provides a buttery and silky sensation, almost like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with minimal resistance.
Overall, the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Miaowu switch is known for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, the New North Pole V2 switch provides a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. If you prefer a sharper sound and a spring-like feedback, the Miaowu switch might be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smoother and more refined typing experience with a creamy sensation, the New North Pole V2 switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Miaowu linear switch or the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Miaowu with its 50-gram bottom out force would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 with its 62.5-gram bottom out force would be more ideal. Additionally, if you value stem stability and a smoother keystroke action, the Miaowu switch would be the way to go. However, if you prioritize a crisper typing experience and a frictionless feel, the New North Pole V2 switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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