Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch that is best known for providing a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener. Users can still enjoy the seamless glide and smoothness that the North Pole lineup is known for. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. While the New North Pole V2 focuses on a frictionless typing experience, the Silent Bluish White prioritizes a comfortable and precise typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound, both switches will provide similar results due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the two switches diverge. The New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the entire keystroke. This stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, emphasizing the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material offers a contrasting experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, this switch is likely to feel and sound slightly different upon bottoming out compared to the New North Pole V2.
In summary, while both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches share polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housings differ. The New North Pole V2 maintains consistency with polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White offers a more muffled and rounded sound experience due to its nylon bottom housing. Therefore, the choice between these two switches would depend on whether a sharper or deeper sound profile is desired.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it becomes evident that these switches offer different experiences to the user. The actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is 50 grams, which requires a medium level of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming may lean towards the Silent Bluish White as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 has a force requirement of 62.5 grams, suggesting a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Silent Bluish White, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This signifies that users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, which provides feedback and a sense of satisfaction, may opt for the New North Pole V2.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Those seeking a lighter touch and longer typing sessions may find satisfaction with the Silent Bluish White, while individuals looking for a more substantial and satisfying typing experience could consider the New North Pole V2. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide reliable actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is clear that they differ in this aspect. The New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the New North Pole V2 falls into the category of a traditional travel distance, providing a familiar experience for users. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower than the traditional range, making it suitable for those who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White to feel too abrupt, desiring a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is not specifically described in the given information. However, based on the absence of a rubber dampener, we can infer that these switches produce a crisper and potentially louder typing sound compared to its predecessor. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is described as producing a muted sound that is softer and quieter than a regular mechanical switch. This makes the Silent Bluish Whites suitable for environments such as offices or shared living spaces where noise reduction is desired.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the New North Pole V2 linear switch is praised for its frictionless typing experience, despite the removal of the rubber dampener. This indicates that these switches provide a smooth and effortless keystroke, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. The Silent Bluish White tactile switch is described as having a medium tactile feel, offering a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. It provides a precise and comfortable typing experience with a seamless and uniform sensation. Additionally, these switches are mentioned to be polished, which suggests a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, while the specific sound qualities of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch are unknown, it can be expected to have a crisper and potentially louder sound compared to its predecessor due to the removal of the rubber dampener. The TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, on the other hand, is designed to be as quiet as possible, emitting a muted sound. In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 offers a frictionless and smooth typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White provides a medium tactile feel with a polished and buttery sensation. Overall, both switches offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences, with the New North Pole V2 emphasizing smoothness and the Silent Bluish White focusing on a comfortable and quiet typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, to determine whether to choose the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch or the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it comes down to your preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a crisper typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 would be the ideal choice for you. This switch offers a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. However, if you value a quieter switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Silent Bluish White switch is the way to go. It offers a satisfying level of resistance while being designed to minimize noise, making it perfect for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, ensuring a smooth and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize a crisper typing experience (New North Pole V2) or a quieter typing experience (Silent Bluish White).
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