Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for different preferences are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The New North Pole V2 is a linear switch, while the WS Brown is a tactile switch. Both switches have their unique characteristics that make them appealing to different users. The New North Pole V2 is best known for its frictionless typing feel, providing a seamless glide and smoothness that users love. It offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, making it ideal for those who prefer a polished and creamy feel while typing. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with their medium-light actuation force. They offer a familiar and delightful auditory experience due to their nylon housing and POM stem combination. These switches are perfect for those who appreciate familiarity and innovation combined. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their housing materials. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes the New North Pole V2 ideal for those who are seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is evident in the WS Brown, providing a more rounded and duller typing sound.

In terms of aesthetics, the materials used in the housing of these switches also differ. The New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it a perfect choice for those who plan to use RGB lighting. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant and eye-catching lighting effects. In contrast, the WS Brown features a nylon housing, which may not have the same level of translucency. However, it still offers a classic and timeless look that appeals to those who appreciate a more traditional style.

When it comes to the impact on the typing experience, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role. The New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the sharp and crisp bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material, also polycarbonate in this case, affects the sound produced when releasing a key. With the WS Brown, the softer nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the nylon top housing influences the sound upon key release, providing a slightly rounder and duller tone.

Overall, while both switches have different housing materials, they each offer unique qualities to enhance the typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 or the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon in the WS Brown, both switches cater to different preferences. Additionally, the choice of housing material in each switch contributes to their individual aesthetic appeal, making them stand out in their own ways.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, the New North Pole V2 requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the WS Brown's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches fall into the medium range, providing a satisfying push feel for typing.

On the other hand, when considering the bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams of force to fully press down, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience. In contrast, the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter.

For individuals who prefer a lighter switch, the WS Brown may be a suitable choice, as its lower bottom out force allows for extended typing without fatigue. This could be particularly beneficial for those who spend long hours typing at work or engaging in marathon gaming sessions. On the flip side, the New North Pole V2, with its slightly heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel.

In summary, while both the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer a medium actuation force, the New North Pole V2 is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the WS Brown is medium-light. Ultimately, personal preference and the desired typing experience will dictate which switch is the ideal choice.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional travel distance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter. Both switches provide a noticeable distance when pressed, but the WS Brown offers a slightly shallower feel compared to the New North Pole V2. If you are a gamer seeking faster response times, you may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Brown. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing the key, the New North Pole V2 with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for your preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you value responsiveness or a more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for providing a crisp and satisfying typing experience. With the removal of the rubber dampener, these switches offer a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to its predecessor. The sound produced by the New North Pole V2s is highly dependent on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can influence the overall acoustics. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is described as offering a familiar and delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish. With its nylon housing and POM stem combination, these switches provide a pleasant and satisfying sound during typing.

When it comes to feel, the New North Pole V2 linear switch is characterized by a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. The polished finish of the switch contributes to its sleek and refined feel, reducing friction and resulting in smooth key travel. Additionally, the presence of lubricant, either applied at the factory or due to specific materials, adds to the creamy sensation of these switches. Typing on the New North Pole V2s feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys, with reduced resistance and a fluid travel. Unfortunately, specific information on the feel of the WS Brown tactile switch is not provided, as the available description focuses more on the auditory aspects.

Considering the available information, both switches offer their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provides a crisper typing experience with its frictionless feel, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. While the sound of a switch is influenced by multiple factors, both switches are likely to provide pleasant auditory feedback, with the New North Pole V2s offering a more pronounced experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch each have their own subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The New North Pole V2 excels in providing a crisp and smooth typing experience, retaining its hallmark frictionless feel. On the other hand, the WS Brown offers a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, but specific information regarding its sound and feel is not provided. However, both switches are likely to deliver satisfactory results, dependent on the other components of the keyboard setup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a crisper typing experience and a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is the switch for you. Its 62.5-gram bottom out force offers a medium level of resistance, and the removal of the rubber dampener ensures a sleek and polished typing experience. The New North Pole V2 provides a seamless glide and smoothness that users love.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light tactile switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Wuque Studio WS Brown is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. Their nylon housing and POM stem combination provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions.

Overall, the Gateron New North Pole V2 excels in providing a frictionless typing feel with a crisper typing experience, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown offers a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. Consider your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific characteristics mentioned to make an informed decision on which switch is best suited for your mechanical keyboard needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more