Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, a tactile switch, offer unique features that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. The New North Pole V2 is renowned for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel due to the elimination of a rubber dampener, providing a crisper typing experience while still maintaining a seamless glide. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches offer a stepped, neutral, and easy-to-press feel, with a snappy tactile bump that enhances typing feedback while maintaining a neutral sound signature. Both switches have their advantages based on individual preferences, but diving deeper into the specifics of each switch can help you determine the best option for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
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
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. The different housing materials used in these two switches provide a unique typing experience, with the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the Gateron New North Pole V2 stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller tone to the typing experience, creating a unique tactile feedback for users. Despite this difference in bottom housing material, both switches offer a high-quality sound profile thanks to the unique qualities of their respective materials.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile showcase the impact of housing materials on the overall sound profile of mechanical switches. While the New North Pole V2 emphasizes the sharp and resonant qualities of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, the WS Light Tactile introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience, with the housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each key press. Whether using polycarbonate or nylon, users can expect a high-quality sound experience from these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the WS Light Tactile is lighter in both categories. The New North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the WS Light Tactile will require a gentler touch to activate and press down compared to the New North Pole V2. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the WS Light Tactile would be the preferred choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a bit more resistance, the New North Pole V2 would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. Despite any other differences between the two switches, their travel distance remains consistent at 4 mm, ensuring a familiar feel for users regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is renowned for its frictionless typing feel and smooth glide, attributed to the absence of a rubber dampener. This results in a crisper typing experience while still maintaining the signature smoothness users love. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a snappy and perceptible tactile bump without sacrificing smoothness. It features a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various typing environments and preferences.
When it comes to sound, the WS Light Tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it offers a moderate sound level suitable for most users regardless of their typing proficiency or work setting. Although the specific sound characteristics of the New North Pole V2 are not explicitly mentioned, it can be inferred that its linear nature likely provides a quieter typing experience compared to tactile switches like the WS Light Tactile.
In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 is praised for its polished and creamy typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. The WS Light Tactile, on the other hand, provides an easy-to-press and stepped tactile feel, giving users a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in typing feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities in sound and feel that appeal to different preferences. While the Gateron switch emphasizes a frictionless and smooth typing experience with a quieter sound profile, the Wuque Studio switch focuses on a tactile bump with easy activation and a neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and sound aesthetics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a frictionless, polished, or creamy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the New North Pole V2 may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a stepped or easy-to-press feel with a snappy tactile bump, and a neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile switch could be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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