Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Orange. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. While its predecessor had a rubber dampener, the V2 has removed it, resulting in a crisper feel while maintaining the beloved seamless glide and smoothness. On the other hand, the KTT Orange offers a bouncy typing feel with its 22mm long spring. The switches boast a slick, frictionless experience with their polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vibrant orange nylon bottom housing. With excellent factory-lubing, the Orange switch ensures a refined, fluid key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Orange switches are both made of polycarbonate. This choice of material for the top and bottom housings is intended to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, which is ideal for those who prioritize the acoustics of their keyboard switches. Additionally, both switches offer the advantage of being translucent, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, users can expect similar results from these switch models due to their shared polycarbonate housing.
When it comes to the individual housings, the qualities of the polycarbonate material are divided between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing, which comes into play when the switch is pressed down, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The stiffer nature of the polycarbonate material in the bottom housing contributes to a more pronounced feedback when pressing the keys. Conversely, the top housing, which affects the sound when the key is released, will have a more significant role in determining the sound profile at the release point. This distinction allows users to have a more nuanced experience with the switches, as they can enjoy different sound characteristics throughout the pressing and releasing process.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and KTT Orange switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate housing. The use of polycarbonate brings forth a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is particularly desirable for keyboard enthusiasts. With translucent properties, these switches are compatible with RGB lighting setups. However, the distinction between the top and bottom housing means that users will experience different sound qualities when pressing down and releasing keys. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound at the release point.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are some key differences to take note of. The actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is slightly heavier, requiring 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Orange requires 46 grams, giving it a lighter touch. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the New North Pole V2 has a higher force of 62.5 grams compared to the Orange's 53 grams. This means that the New North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Orange make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter switch, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. Despite these differences, both switches fall under the medium category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a similar experience overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The New North Pole V2 falls within the range of a traditional travel distance, providing a balanced feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Orange offers a shallower travel distance, which is favored by gamers seeking faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority, the shorter travel distance of the Orange switch may be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel, the longer travel distance of the New North Pole V2 would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 New North Pole V2 switch is not specifically described. However, based on the information provided, it can be inferred that these switches produce a relatively low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches are specifically described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. While the specific sound characteristics of the New North Pole V2 switches are unknown, it is reasonable to expect a similar low-pitched sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the New North Pole V2 switches are described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. A polished switch indicates that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, often due to factory lubing or specific materials. They provide a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes. Lastly, the New North Pole V2 switches offer a frictionless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
The KTT Orange switches, on the other hand, are described as bouncy and frictionless. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Similar to the New North Pole V2 switches, the Orange switches also offer a frictionless typing experience, ensuring an extremely smooth and effortless keystroke with minimal resistance or friction.
In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer a frictionless typing experience. They both provide smooth and effortless keystrokes, minimizing resistance and producing a fluid travel. While the sound profile of the New North Pole V2 switches is not explicitly mentioned, it can be expected to have a similar low-pitched tone based on the information provided. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for factors such as sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a great choice. With its 53-gram bottom out force and long spring, these switches provide a lively and elastic feedback sensation, giving you a bouncy feel and rebound when pressed. The Orange switches also offer a slick and frictionless typing experience, thanks to their polycarbonate milky top housing, POM stem, and nylon bottom housing. Additionally, the low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, these switches offer a slightly heavier typing feel compared to the Orange switches. However, they make up for it with a polished and refined finish that results in a sleek and smooth key travel. The New North Pole V2 switches retain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, providing a frictionless typing feel that users have come to love. The factory lube ensures reduced friction and maximum smoothness.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Orange linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a bouncy type feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the Orange switches would be ideal. However, if you prefer a polished and creamy typing experience with slightly more weight, the New North Pole V2 switches would be a better fit for you.
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