Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two great options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi. The New North Pole V2 switches offer a crisper typing experience compared to its predecessor, thanks to the removal of the rubber dampener. However, they still retain the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup by providing a frictionless typing feel. Known for being polished, creamy, and frictionless, these switches offer a seamless glide and smoothness that users love. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches from Wuque Studio bring innovation and visual aesthetics together. These ultra-smooth linear switches feature a unique light column that diffuses light, adding a mesmerizing effect to RGB visuals. The UPE stem provides a dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, distinct from the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. With their medium weight and slightly shortened total travel, these switches strike the perfect balance between form and function. They offer a slightly more muted sound profile, categorized as buttery, creamy, low-pitched, silky, subdued, and thocky. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in their choice of housing materials. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Morandi utilizes a POM top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, POM housings produce a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience. So, if you prefer a switch with a sharper and more defined sound, the New North Pole V2 with its polycarbonate top housing would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if you find pleasure in a deeper and more subtle sound, the WS Morandi's POM top housing would be more appealing.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, both the New North Pole V2 and the WS Morandi also differ in their choice of materials. The New North Pole V2 incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the WS Morandi implements a POM bottom housing. Once again, polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its stiffness, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, POM housings bring forth an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that leans toward the deeper side and exhibits more muted qualities. Thus, if you desire a switch with a sharper and well-defined bottom-out sound, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing would be preferable. However, if you appreciate a deeper and softer bottom-out sound, the WS Morandi's POM bottom housing would be an excellent choice.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials used in the top and bottom of a switch play a significant role. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, if the top and bottom housing materials differ in a switch, their respective qualities will be divided between the two actions. For instance, if the New North Pole V2 has a polycarbonate top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing, the switch will offer a sharper and crisper sound both when pressing down and releasing a key. Conversely, if the WS Morandi features a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing, the switch will provide a deeper and more muted sound throughout the typing experience. So, depending on your preference for sound profiles during both key press and release, you can choose a switch accordingly.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is evident that both switches have medium bottom out forces, making them suitable for a balanced typing experience. However, there are slight differences in their actuation forces. The New North Pole V2 requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the actuation force for the WS Morandi is unavailable. Therefore, it is uncertain whether the WS Morandi requires a lighter or heavier force for actuation compared to the New North Pole V2.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable longer periods of comfortable typing, especially if they bring their keyboard to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier actuation force.
In conclusion, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 is known to have a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, the actuation force of the Wuque Studio WS Morandi remains unknown. Nonetheless, the bottom out force of both switches is comparable, allowing for a balanced typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it is clear that both switches have different distances. The New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the WS Morandi is the shorter of the two switches.
In terms of preference, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the intended use. The 4.0mm travel distance of the New North Pole V2 is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the WS Morandi is more shallow, which can be preferred by gamers who desire faster response times.
Ultimately, if one prefers a more responsive and quicker typing experience, the WS Morandi with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the New North Pole V2 with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. It is important to consider personal preference and typing style when selecting a switch with a specific travel distance to ensure optimal typing comfort and satisfaction.
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 Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is known for its sound profile, which is not specified in the provided information. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches are described as having a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound. These switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, with a dampened and subtle sound signature. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 provides a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek key travel and reduced friction. The creamy sensation allows for effortless gliding of fingers across the keys, making each keystroke feel silky smooth. The frictionless design further enhances typing by minimizing resistance and providing a fluid experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches are described as buttery, creamy, and silky. They offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, with exceptionally smooth key travel and minimized resistance.
Based on the available information, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The New North Pole V2 offers a frictionless typing feel and its sound profile is not specified. The WS Morandi switches, on the other hand, have a more low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound, along with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, but they offer distinct characteristics. If you are seeking a smooth typing experience with a focus on frictionless feel and unspecified sound qualities, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a low-pitched and thocky sound, along with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, the WS Morandi switches would be a great option. It is important to consider personal preference, as well as compatibility with your keyboard and keycap choices, to ensure the best typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are great options. The New North Pole V2 is best known for its seamless glide and smoothness, providing a frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Morandi combines innovation with visual aesthetics, featuring a unique dry and airy smoothness, as well as a mesmerizing light diffusion effect.
In terms of sound, the New North Pole V2 is not specifically described, while the WS Morandi is characterized as having a low-pitched, subdued, and thocky sound profile. If you prefer a dampened and more subtle sound, the WS Morandi would be a good choice.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The New North Pole V2 is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the WS Morandi is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation with enhanced smoothness.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi depends on your preferences. If you value a frictionless typing experience and a switch with a crisper feel, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique visual aesthetic, a slightly more muted sound profile, and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the WS Morandi would be a great choice. Consider your personal preferences and prioritize the features that matter most to you when making a decision.
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