Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two compelling options for enthusiasts who favor a linear typing experience. The New North Pole V2 stands out for its polished, creamy feel and frictionless typing experience, effectively eliminating the rubber dampener that was present in its predecessor. This change enhances the crispness of each keystroke while maintaining the smooth glide users have come to expect from the North Pole lineup. On the other hand, the WS Pearl introduces an innovative design featuring ball-bearings that significantly reduce friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a unique medium-high pitch sound signature. Both switches offer distinct advantages: the New North Pole V2 is ideal for those who appreciate a classic yet refined feel, while the WS Pearl caters to users seeking a truly silky and quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl utilize different materials for their switch housings, leading to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The New North Pole V2, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, produces a sharper and crisper auditory feedback. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, allows for clearer resonation, making it particularly suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. As a result, users can expect a more pronounced sound when a key is released, creating an engaging typing experience that emphasizes clarity and high-pitched tones. This design resonates particularly well with those who desire a more dynamic and vibrant auditory response when using their keyboard.
In contrast, the WS Pearl employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which significantly alters the sound profile. Nylon is well-known for its softer and more pliable nature, providing a deeper, fuller sound that absorbs more noise. Consequently, switches using nylon deliver a rounder and more muted audio experience, appealing to users who prefer a subdued and smooth typing feel. The impact of nylon's sound absorption becomes evident upon key press, making the overall sensation softer during both actuation and release. While this difference in materials leads to a contrast in acoustic feedback, it also reflects individual preferences for sound profiles, where one may favor a more resonant experience, while the other might seek a quieter atmosphere.
Although the Gateron New North Pole V2 and Wuque Studio WS Pearl employ different materials, users can still appreciate various auditory effects due to each switch's unique construction. In the New North Pole V2, the stiffer polycarbonate contributes to a pronounced top-out sound, while the softer nylon in the WS Pearl ensures a more rounded response upon release. When considering both switches, it's essential to remember how housing materials interplay; the top housing's qualities influence the sound of key release, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound. Therefore, regardless of the material, users can find a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences, showcasing the diverse possibilities within mechanical switch design.
Weight
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The New North Pole V2 features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that provides a relatively heavier feel. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, also classified as medium but leaning significantly lighter than its counterpart. This means that while both switches fall into the medium category, the WS Pearl is preferable for users seeking a lighter touch, facilitating extended typing or gaming sessions with reduced fatigue. Meanwhile, the New North Pole V2 may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push, providing a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter feel, the WS Pearl is the better choice, while the New North Pole V2 is suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we notice a distinct difference. The New North Pole V2 boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it ideal for users who prefer a more traditional and deeper keypress. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering more to those who appreciate quick responsiveness, such as gamers. This shorter distance allows for faster actuation, which can be beneficial in high-paced situations. Therefore, if you prioritize hearty depth and a more tactile experience, the New North Pole V2 would be the preferable choice, while the WS Pearl would suit those who favor rapid response times due to its 0.5 mm shorter travel distance.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch is characterized by a crisp and clean auditory profile. The absence of a rubber dampener contributes to a more pronounced sound with each keystroke, allowing for a more tactile feedback experience without being overly harsh. Conversely, the WS Pearl linear switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, attributed to the ball-bearing mechanism that enhances its smoothness. While the New North Pole V2 may offer a sharper clarity, the WS Pearl can provide a softer, yet distinct sound, contributing to a unique acoustic profile. It’s important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard used and the keycap material.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer premium experiences but differ in their unique characteristics. The Gateron New North Pole V2 is celebrated for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, resulting in a typing sensation that is both smooth and buttery. Users can expect a sleek experience where fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, emphasizing minimal resistance. On the other hand, while specific descriptors for the WS Pearl’s feel are unknown, the integration of ball-bearings suggests a similarly smooth experience, potentially rivaling the polished qualities of the New North Pole V2. This design choice likely produces a highly fluid keystroke experience that can feel surreal, much like the frictionless nature promised by the New North Pole V2.
Overall, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the WS Pearl linear switches present impressive qualities for any newcomer to mechanical keyboards. The New North Pole V2 excels with its crisp sound profile and a notably polished, creamy feel, ensuring a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Pearl introduces captivating smoothness through its ball-bearing mechanism while showcasing a distinct acoustic signature. As such, choosing between these switches could come down to personal preference on the nuances of sound and the subtle differences in tactile feedback, both of which can offer a satisfying typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches, consider what aspects of typing performance and feel are most important to you. If you prefer a more polished and frictionless typing experience with a crisper sound profile, then the New North Pole V2 is your ideal choice. This switch is perfect if you enjoy the sensation of seamless keystrokes without any hindrance, thanks to its medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, providing a balanced tactile response. On the other hand, if you are looking for an exceptionally smooth experience that minimizes friction through the unique ball-bearing design and offers a noise profile that is distinctively medium-high pitched, the WS Pearl linear switch would be the better option. This switch features a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 58 grams, allowing for a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your preference for either a crispness or a surreal smoothness will guide your choice, ensuring that whichever switch you select, it aligns with your typing style and enjoyment.
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