Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. Two popular switches to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Purple Click. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that offers a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Its hallmark feature is the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. On the other hand, the Purple Click is a clicky switch with a fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. While the keystrokes are light, they also offer a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches have their merits, offering different typing experiences depending on your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Purple Click switches share a common characteristic - both have polycarbonate top housings. This translates to a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to be showcased effectively due to its translucency. However, it's worth noting that if the top and bottom housings differ, the overall sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by both materials. The polycarbonate top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the Gateron New North Pole V2 stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing. This contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic. The Gateron switch's bottom housing also benefits from the translucency of polycarbonate, allowing for impressive RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's relatively softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. When typing on the Purple Click, the bottom housing's characteristics will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel compared to the New North Pole V2.
In summary, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and KTT Purple Click switches leverage polycarbonate in their top housings, leading to similar sound profiles with sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tones. RGB lighting is enhanced by the translucency of polycarbonate in both switches. However, where these two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Gateron switch utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, contributing to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Purple Click employs nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing's qualities will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is clear that both switches fall within the medium range. The actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is slightly heavier at 50 grams, while the Purple Click requires a lighter force of 40 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 requires a heavier force of 62.5 grams compared to the 55 grams required by the Purple Click.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. This lighter feel can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions where finger fatigue may become a concern. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 would be a better option for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces can provide a satisfying push feel, ultimately enhancing the overall typing experience.
It is worth noting that while the forces required for actuation and bottom out differ slightly between the two switches, they both fall within the medium range. Consequently, although the New North Pole V2 may feel slightly heavier and the Purple Click slightly lighter, the overall results obtained from typing on both switches would be fairly similar. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on an individual's personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same 4 mm of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other when it comes to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is best known for providing a crisper typing experience due to the removal of the rubber dampener. Despite this change, it still maintains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup, which is a frictionless typing feel. Users can expect a seamless glide and smoothness that they have come to love. In terms of sound, the specific information is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is renowned for its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click. The keystrokes are light, offering a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. This creates a perfect equilibrium of feedback and responsiveness. In terms of sound, the Purple Click switch is described as both crunchy and resonant. It produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, characteristic of clicky switches. Furthermore, the switch has a higher-pitched sound profile, delivering an immersive auditory experience that is clean and sharp.
To summarize, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a crisper typing experience and a frictionless feel. However, specific information regarding its sound profile is unknown. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch provides a satisfying click with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. It is characterized by its crunchy and resonant sound profiles. Depending on personal preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. If you're looking for a similar smooth and frictionless feel, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice, while the Purple Click offers a distinct clicky experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its frictionless typing feel and a crisper experience due to the removal of the rubber dampener. It provides a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, offering a balanced and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Purple Click is known for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. It strikes the perfect equilibrium between tactility and a pleasant typing experience.
When it comes to sound, the New North Pole V2 offers a clean and sharp sound profile, while the Purple Click delivers a crunchy and resonant auditory experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves.
In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 provides a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, it offers a sleek sensation. Conversely, the Purple Click offers an invigorating and stepped feel, creating an immersive and reactive typing sensation with pronounced feedback.
Ultimately, your decision between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Purple Click will depend on your preferences. If you value a frictionless and smooth typing experience with a crisper feel, the New North Pole V2 is the way to go. However, if you prefer light keystrokes with a satisfying click and a balanced tactile experience, the Purple Click is an excellent choice. Consider your desired sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure that your mechanical keyboard switch enhances your typing experience.
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