Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Phalaenopsis 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, a linear switch, and the KTT Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its frictionless typing feel, which remains despite the removal of the rubber dampener found in its predecessor. Gateron has polished the switch to provide a creamy and smooth typing experience that users love. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis is known for its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, ensuring effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue. The 50g tactile force provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump for a delightful keystroke experience. While these generalities provide a glimpse into the benefits of each switch, let's dive deeper to help you determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Phalaenopsis share the same housing material, polycarbonate, for both their top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Its translucency makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to pass through and create vibrant effects. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the housing materials.
When it comes to the feel and sound of pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role. As the user presses down on the switch, they will experience the impact and sound influenced by the properties of the bottom housing. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, resulting in a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel. Whether it's the Gateron New North Pole V2 or the KTT Phalaenopsis, the shared polycarbonate bottom housing ensures a consistent tactile experience.
On the other hand, the top housing of a switch primarily affects the sound when the user releases a key. As the key is released, the properties of the top housing, again made from polycarbonate in these cases, come into play. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile, giving a distinct auditory feedback as the key returns to its resting position. Whether it's the Gateron New North Pole V2 or the KTT Phalaenopsis, the polycarbonate top housing contributes to a satisfying sound when keys are released.
In summary, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Phalaenopsis share the same housing material, polycarbonate, in both their top and bottom housings. This material's stiffer composition creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience of these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, providing visually appealing effects. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a role in the sound when keys are released, ensuring a consistent and satisfying tactile experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are notable differences. The New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, which requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier for users to activate the switch. Additionally, the bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 is 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience as it requires a heavier push. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, which means it will not require as much pressure to press all the way down.
Consideration of weight is important in keyboard selection. A lighter switch, such as the Phalaenopsis, allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for tasks that require extended keyboard usage like work or long gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, like the New North Pole V2.
In summary, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and KTT Phalaenopsis switches differ in actuation force and bottom out force. The New North Pole V2 is heavier, requiring more force for both actuation and bottoming out, while the Phalaenopsis is lighter in both regards. Personal preference will dictate which switch is more suitable depending on one's typing habits and preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches offer the same level of tactile feedback and key press experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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
The subjective qualities of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch vary in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, the New North Pole V2 switch does not have a known descriptor provided, indicating that the specific sound profile is not mentioned. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a "bassy" sound profile. This means that it offers a deep and rich sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switch is also described as "thocky," which produces a satisfying and deep sound when pressed and released.
Moving on to feel, the New North Pole V2 switch is known for its hallmark frictionless typing feel. It offers a seamless glide and smoothness, free from any sense of resistance or friction. The descriptors for the New North Pole V2 switch include "polished," indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience, and "creamy," suggesting a smooth and buttery typing sensation akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys.
In comparison, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a "stepped" feel. This means that it provides a tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
To summarize, the New North Pole V2 switch excels in providing a frictionless typing feel with a polished and creamy sensation, while the Phalaenopsis switch offers a stepped tactile feedback. In terms of sound, the New North Pole V2 switch does not have a known descriptor, while the Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. Depending on the user's preferences, they can choose between the smoothness and glide of the New North Pole V2 switch or the stepped tactile feedback of the Phalaenopsis switch. It is important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a keyboard switch that provides a frictionless typing experience, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a seamless glide and smoothness that users love, along with a crisper typing experience due to the removal of the rubber dampener. In terms of sound, the New North Pole V2 switch does not have a specific description provided. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a tactile switch with a discernible tactile bump, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the perfect option. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides effortless typing and minimizes finger fatigue, even during prolonged typing sessions. In terms of sound, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as both bassy and thocky, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound profile. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as a stepped switch, providing a more mild tactile feel with a noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches comes down to personal preference for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
