Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that provide an exceptional typing experience are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Semi Mute. The New North Pole V2 is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, offering a crisp typing experience without the use of a rubber dampener. Gateron has managed to maintain the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love in the North Pole lineup. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches, despite their misleading name, provide a completely silent operation, making them perfect for those who crave a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. Featuring a buttery, mild and muted feel, these switches utilize advanced dampening technology to provide a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Semi Mute both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This means that they will have similar qualities when it comes to sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in the housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through.
However, despite the similarities in housing material, there may still be some differences in how the switches feel and sound. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. Therefore, even if the top and bottom housings are made of the same material, there might be differences in the switch's overall performance due to variations in design or other factors.
Furthermore, the top housing of a switch has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. So, while both the New North Pole V2 and the Semi Mute may have a similar initial sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housing, the specific characteristics of the switch's sound when a key is released may differ slightly.
In conclusion, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Semi Mute benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings. This provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as well as allowing for RGB lighting. However, depending on variations in design and other factors, there may still be slight differences in the overall feel and sound of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Firstly, in terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category. The New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the Semi Mute has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch would be the better choice, as it has slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces the strain on their fingers and allows for smoother typing experiences.
On the other hand, if someone prefers a more substantial and stronger push feel while typing, they may prefer the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch. With higher actuation and bottom out forces, this switch provides a firmer and more tactile typing experience. This can be appealing to users who prioritize the physical feedback and enjoy the satisfaction of pressing down with greater force.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and KTT Semi Mute switches offer different weight options to cater to different preferences. The KTT Semi Mute provides a lighter feel, suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 offers a heavier and more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This distance is what you feel when you press down on a key. Comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the New North Pole V2 and the Semi Mute switches as they have an equal travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is not explicitly described in the information provided. However, based on its removal of the rubber dampener and the retention of the frictionless typing feel, it is likely that the New North Pole V2 switches produce a crisper and potentially louder typing sound compared to its predecessor. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is described as "muted", which indicates that these switches are designed to minimize noise and provide a softer and quieter typing experience. The Semi Mute switches are specifically tailored for those who value a noise-free environment, making them especially suitable for late-night typing sessions. It is important to note that the sound of a keyboard switch is influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard board, keycaps, and typing technique.
In terms of feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for its seamless glide and smoothness, resulting in a frictionless typing experience. Although the information does not provide a specific descriptor for the New North Pole V2, it can be inferred from the retention of these characteristics that the switch offers a polished and creamy feel. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing an effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is described as "buttery" and "mild". These descriptors suggest that the Semi Mute switches offer a smooth, fluid, and gentle typing experience. The keystrokes are seamless, effortless, and uniform, making them approachable and comfortable for most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the New North Pole V2 provides a crisper typing experience with a potential increase in sound compared to its predecessor, the Semi Mute switches are designed to be muted and provide a softer, quieter typing experience. The New North Pole V2 offers a frictionless typing feel with a polished and creamy sensation, while the Semi Mute switches provide a buttery and mild feel. Depending on the user's preferences and requirements for noise level and typing sensation, both switches offer their own unique advantages.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Semi Mute linear switches, there are certain factors to consider. The New North Pole V2 is best suited for those who prioritize a crisp and frictionless typing experience. With its medium bottom out force and polished, creamy, or frictionless feel, you can expect a smooth and refined keystroke sensation. In terms of sound, the New North Pole V2 falls within a neutral profile, making it suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute is perfect for individuals who value a noise-free environment and seek undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. With its slightly lower bottom out force and buttery, mild feel, these switches offer a seamless and gentle typing experience. The Semi Mute switches also provide a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise that is typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Semi Mute switches depends on your priorities and preferences, be it a crisper and frictionless typing experience or a noise-free and gratifying typing feel.
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