Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. KTT Wine Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Wine Red both offer unique qualities that will enhance your typing experience. The New North Pole V2 is best known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. Unlike its predecessor, it no longer has a rubber dampener, which provides a crisper typing experience. However, Gateron has maintained the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches from KTT offer an intoxicating experience with a pillowy light type feel. Typing on them produces a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, making it a true pleasure to use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

KTT Wine Red Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$2.71 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Wine Red both share the use of polycarbonate in their top and bottom housing materials, resulting in similar characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile in both switches. This stiffness leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to be showcased, making it a practical choice for those seeking visually appealing switches.

However, it is worth mentioning that if the top and bottom housings differ in a particular switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the two. In this case, the characteristics of the bottom housing will be more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key will be influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, while both the New North Pole V2 and Wine Red utilize polycarbonate in their respective housings, the distribution of these materials may result in subtle differences in typing experience.

In summary, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the KTT Wine Red both utilize polycarbonate in their top and bottom housing materials. This choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those interested in RGB lighting effects. However, if the top and bottom housings differ, the characteristics of each housing will be split between the two, affecting the overall typing experience. Nonetheless, both switches offer similar results with slight distinctions due to the housing distribution.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The New North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams, making the New North Pole V2 require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 is also heavier at 62.5 grams, while the Wine Red has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a lighter feel when pressing all the way down. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Wine Red can be considered medium-light compared to the New North Pole V2.

Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Wine Red more suitable, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This is particularly beneficial for those using a keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel, may prefer the New North Pole V2 due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between these switches provides options for users to choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier typing forces.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in this regard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a crisp typing experience due to the removal of the rubber dampener. While the specific sound characteristics of the New North Pole V2 are not mentioned, it is known for retaining the seamless glide and smoothness that users love about the North Pole lineup. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is described as having a deep and rich sound profile, giving it a satisfyingly bassy and low-pitched tone during key presses. It provides a pillowy light type feel, which is likely to result in a quieter typing experience compared to the potentially crisper sound of the New North Pole V2. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is highly praised for its frictionless typing experience, which is a hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup. With a polished, creamy, and potentially factory-lubricated finish, the New North Pole V2 offers reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek typing sensation. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch. However, since it is described as providing a pillowy light type feel, it can be expected to offer a smooth and comfortable keystroke experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and KTT Wine Red linear switches have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The New North Pole V2 is known for its crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while retaining a frictionless gliding feel. Its sound characteristics are not mentioned, but it is likely to provide a smooth and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a deep and rich sound profile with a pillowy light type feel. While the specific feel characteristics of the Wine Red are unknown, it is expected to provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, and choosing between them will depend on the user's personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron New North Pole V2 may be the right choice for you. It stands out for its crisper typing experience due to the removal of the rubber dampener, while still providing a frictionless typing feel that Gateron switches are known for. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Wine Red linear switch could be a great option. These switches offer a pillowy light typing feel and produce a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

KTT Wine Red Linear

$2.71 per 10

Learn more