KTT Mint vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Mint and Gateron New North Pole V2, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer a satisfyingly smooth linear typing experience. The Mint, characterized by its long pole stem, provides a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting type feel. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2s have undergone an upgrade, removing the rubber dampener to offer a crisper typing experience while still maintaining the hallmark feature of a frictionless typing feel. Both switches offer a polished and smooth performance, but now let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mint and the Gateron New North Pole V2 have several similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both the Mint and the New North Pole V2.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Mint utilizes nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing. This stiffer plastic enhances clarity and resonance in the sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the Mint's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a more balanced and rounded experience. The nylon bottom adds depth and richness to the sound profile, while the polycarbonate top enhances the clarity and sharpness. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing emphasizes sharpness and resonance throughout the typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Mint and the Gateron New North Pole V2 feature polycarbonate top housings that provide similar sound and lighting effects, their bottom housing materials differ. The Mint's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances clarity and resonance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the desired sound profile and overall typing experience of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Mint switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams. Similarly, the Mint has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, while the New North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier 62.5 grams to fully depress.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mint switch would be the more suitable option. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a smoother and easier keystroke trigger. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who type for longer periods of time, enabling them to do so with less strain and fatigue.
On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 switch appeals to those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. With a higher actuation and bottom out force, it offers a tactile feedback that some typists find more satisfying. This can be advantageous for individuals who prioritize the sensory feedback and enjoy a slightly heavier typing sensation.
It is important to note that both switches fall within the medium weight range, but the Mint switch is slightly lighter overall. Additionally, while the Mint switch's actuation force is lighter, resulting in a quicker keystroke trigger, the New North Pole V2 requires a slightly heavier force to bottom out completely.
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Mint linear switch and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Mint switch caters to those who prefer a lighter touch and smoother keystrokes, while the New North Pole V2 provides a more substantial push and tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences and allow users to customize their keyboard to their desired weight preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that you can expect similar results when pressing down on a key using either switch. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 Mint linear switch is known for its low-pitched profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone while typing. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more relaxed and soothing typing experience. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mint switch offers a mild and polished experience. This means that it provides a gentle and approachable typing feel, suitable for most users. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and sleek typing experience. Additionally, it is described as creamy and frictionless, offering a buttery and effortless sensation while typing. This suggests that both switches provide a smooth and refined feel, with the Gateron switch potentially offering an even more luxurious experience.
In conclusion, based on the available information, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offer pleasing subjective qualities. While the Mint excels in providing a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness with a light and fleeting typing feel, the New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing experience without the rubber dampener. Both switches maintain a seamless glide and smoothness, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. The Mint has a low-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel, while the New North Pole V2 boasts a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, providing users with a satisfying and premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness, along with a light and fleeting typing feel, the KTT Mint linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams provides a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, but still want to retain the hallmark feature of a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is worth considering. With its medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, it offers a balanced typing experience. Both switches provide a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the choice between these two switches would come down to personal preference for specific characteristics, such as the poppy thockiness of the Mint or the creamy and frictionless feel of the New North Pole V2. Ultimately, it's important to consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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