Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, both of which are linear switches. The New North Pole V2 is known for its crisper typing experience, as it no longer has a rubber dampener. However, it still provides the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel that users love. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches not only allow for maximum RGB lighting customization but also ensure a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. While these general pointers can help in your decision-making process, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both utilize polycarbonate material for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing display of the lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual aesthetics when comparing the top housings of these two switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the New North Pole V2 differs from the WS Aurora Clear. While the New North Pole V2 also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE material instead. UHWMPE is a newer material for switch housings and offers a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 provides a stiffer plastic feel, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Therefore, the sound and typing experience between the two switches' bottom housings will have distinct differences.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear plays a significant role in the sound characteristics and tactile feedback of these switches. While both switches share the benefit of polycarbonate top housings for enhanced sound quality and RGB lighting compatibility, the WS Aurora Clear stands out with its UHWMPE bottom housing, offering a unique bright sound signature. Users can expect a more distinct typing experience when comparing the bottom housings of these two switches, as they impact the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will primarily influence the sound when releasing a key, making the top housing similarities of these switches particularly notable.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are subtle differences to consider. The actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is 50 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear requires a slightly heavier force of 53 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a satisfactory balance between responsiveness and ease of keystrokes. Similarly, the bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 is 62.5 grams, while the WS Aurora Clear requires a slightly greater force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. In terms of weight, these differences are relatively minor and might not significantly impact the typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force depends on personal preference. Some users may appreciate the lighter force for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, whereas others might seek a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing dynamics. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer similar results within the range of medium actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch have different travel distances. The New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The New North Pole V2 falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, providing a comfortable depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. If you value a more responsive typing experience, the WS Aurora Clear with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress, the New North Pole V2 with its longer travel distance would be preferable.
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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 sound of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is not specified in the provided information. However, based on the absence of a rubber dampener and the retention of the seamless glide and smoothness, it can be inferred that the New North Pole V2s would have a crisper and quieter typing sound compared to its predecessor.
On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear linear switch is described as high-pitched. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear may not be the ideal choice for you.
When it comes to feel, the New North Pole V2 switch is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless. A polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Moreover, the creaminess suggests a smooth and buttery typing sensation where each keystroke effortlessly melts into each other. Lastly, the frictionless feature minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid travel experience.
On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic suggests a more gentle typing experience, suitable for those looking for a middle-ground zone. Similar to the New North Pole V2, the WS Aurora Clear is also described as polished, which means it offers a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a crisper typing experience with a frictionless feel. While the sound qualities are not specified, it can be inferred that they would have a quieter profile compared to its predecessor. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch provides a high-pitched sound and a buttery and mild typing feel. Both switches offer polished finishes, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a crisper feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 may be the better choice. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound and a smoother feel, the WS Aurora Clear would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a medium-bottom out force switch with a crisper typing experience and a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be an excellent choice. These switches offer a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, providing smooth and effortless keystrokes. In terms of sound, they are not described specifically, but they are well-known for their seamless glide and smoothness.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force switch with a high-pitched typing experience and maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a great option. These switches have a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting customization. They offer a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation. In terms of sound, they produce a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, catering to those who prefer a sharper sound profile.
In summary, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is ideal for those seeking a medium-bottom out force switch with a crisper typing experience and a frictionless typing feel, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is perfect for individuals who want a medium-heavy bottom out force switch with a high-pitched typing experience and maximum RGB lighting customization. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and RGB customization.
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