Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Dash can greatly influence your typing experience. The New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its frictionless typing feel and polished glide, providing a creamy and smooth action that appeals to those who favor linear switches. Users often appreciate the crisper feedback delivered by the removal of the rubber dampener, making each keypress feel more responsive. On the other hand, the WS Dash brings a unique flair with its Hall Effect technology, offering a clacky sound signature that adds character to each keystroke. This switch is known for its silky smooth action, ideal for typists looking for an engaging auditory experience alongside tactile performance. Each switch presents distinct advantages: the New North Pole V2 caters to minimalists seeking refined simplicity, while the WS Dash attracts enthusiasts who desire a lively auditory feedback and a touch of sophistication. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Dash are both switches that utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to some similarities in their acoustic profiles. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a cleaner, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's rigidity contributes to a more resonant sound, which is particularly suitable for those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback while typing. Furthermore, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, enabling users to enjoy a visually appealing setup that complements the bright and vibrant aesthetic typical of modern keyboards. Therefore, if users seek a sound signature that leans towards clarity and sharpness, both switches would yield comparable results in this respect.
Contrasting the bottom housings reveals more significant differences in sound characteristics and material choice. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns its acoustic signature with that of the top housing, leading to a uniform and consistent sound profile. This continuation of polycarbonate allows for a similar crispness to the bottom-out sound, maintaining a cohesive auditory experience throughout the key press. In contrast, the WS Dash opts for a nylon bottom housing, which alters the overall sound dynamics. Nylon tends to absorb more sound due to its softer properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thus, the WS Dash's bottom housing introduces a more rounded sound, creating a notable distinction in the auditory experience when compared to the more unyielding and sharper response of the New North Pole V2.
Overall, the combination of housing materials results in different tactile and auditory experiences for users of both switches. The New North Pole V2's use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings produces a consistently crisp and resonant sound throughout the keystroke, while the WS Dash's nylon bottom housing shifts the balance towards a more subdued and rounded sound profile. This division means that while both switches offer similar experiences in terms of the sound profile contributed by the top housing, the differences in the bottom housing will impact how users perceive the overall auditory experience. Those who prioritize clear, high-pitched feedback may prefer the Gateron New North Pole V2, while users seeking deeper, warmer acoustics might gravitate towards the WS Dash, illustrating how material choices can significantly influence keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The New North Pole V2 features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is ideal for users who prefer a smoother, less fatiguing experience during extended typing or gaming sessions. This significantly lighter feel of the WS Dash allows for quicker actuation, making it easier to type for longer periods. Overall, the New North Pole V2 is suited for those who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback in their keystrokes, while the WS Dash caters to those seeking a lightweight switch for effortless keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, a distinct difference is evident. The New North Pole V2 boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options and offering a more traditional feel that many users appreciate for its depth. In contrast, the WS Dash features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, which caters to those who prefer quicker response times often favored by gamers. This shorter distance may provide a more immediate tactile feedback, though some users might find it too abrupt. Thus, if you prioritize a deeper key press for a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be the superior choice, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Dash could be ideal for rapid key presses and a quicker, more responsive feel.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 switches are characterized by a clean and well-defined keystroke, thanks to the absence of a rubber dampener. This design choice enhances the auditory response of each keystroke, producing a higher-pitched sound that is crisp and gives satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches create a bright and clacky sound signature, offering a more pronounced acoustic character. The combination of Hall Effect technology and the unique acoustics of the key materials results in a lively sound profile that many enthusiasts find appealing. Ultimately, the sound experience with both switches can vary significantly based on factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap choice.
When considering feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches stand out with their polished and creamy characteristics, providing users with a luxurious tactile experience. The frictionless operation offers a sense of fluidity that many typists appreciate, making it feel almost effortless to type rapidly. In contrast, the tactile nuances of the WS Dash switches remain less defined, but generally, the hall-effect technology delivers a smooth action that still allows for enjoyable feedback. While both switches prioritize smoothness, the New North Pole V2 provides a more refined and upscale sensation due to its polished nature, whereas the WS Dash adds a unique twist with its different construction material, potentially offering a different yet satisfying experience.
In summary, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches present appealing qualities that cater to distinct tactile and auditory preferences. The New North Pole V2 excels in delivering a sharp sound and a highly refined typing feel, while the WS Dash offers a lively sound signature combined with smooth operation. Depending on an individual's priorities, either switch could be an excellent choice, and both can deliver satisfying results tailored to personal typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you lean towards a typing experience that is both crisp and frictionless, the New North Pole V2 will be your best option. With its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it strikes a balance that can cater to both typing and gaming, offering a polished and creamy feel that enhances every keystroke. The seamless glide makes it an excellent choice for long typing sessions where you want less fatigue and more accuracy. On the other hand, if you appreciate a lighter touch with a bit of character in both sound and feel, the WS Dash, with its 55-gram bottom-out force, provides a medium-light experience that can be delightful for casual use and gaming alike. Its clacky sound signature coupled with the silky smooth keystroke delivers a unique auditory feedback that can be satisfying if you enjoy a lively typing environment. Therefore, consider whether you prioritize a refined, polished feel or a bright and vibrant auditory experience as you make your switch selection.
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