Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The New North Pole V2 stands out for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. Unlike its predecessor, it no longer has a rubber dampener, resulting in a crisper typing feel while retaining the hallmark feature of a seamless glide and smoothness. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque elevate the office and work experience with their exceptional responsiveness and satisfying bottom-out. These switches incorporate ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to minimize switch noise, providing a quiet typing experience. Unlike traditional silent switches, silicone dampeners are not used, offering a distinct feeling that combines tranquility and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer distinct differences in sound profile and feel. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Similarly, the polycarbonate and nylon bottom housings of the two switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile upon bottoming out. Its stiffness adds to the clear and resonant sound when typing. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Silent Linear produces a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a less sharp and more rounded sound.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. The polycarbonate housing of the New North Pole V2 offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon housing of the WS Silent Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches have their advantages, and the decision will ultimately come down to individual typing preferences. However, it is important to note that the top housing material plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing material affects the sound when bottoming out.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. For starters, the New North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unavailable, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. Moving on to the bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 requires 62.5 grams of force, which again falls in the medium range. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear has a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering the weight aspect, it's important to note that some individuals prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. A lighter switch allows for more effortless keystrokes, reducing hand fatigue. If this is the preference, both the New North Pole V2 and the WS Silent Linear could potentially provide similar results since their actuation and bottom out forces are not drastically different. However, for those who seek a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, opting for switches with heavier forces is recommended. In this case, the WS Silent Linear would be the better choice as it has a slightly higher bottom out force compared to the New North Pole V2. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the New North Pole V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a shorter distance of 3.5 mm. The New North Pole V2 falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, providing a standard key press experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear offers a shallower travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress sensation, the longer travel distance of the New North Pole V2 may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Silent Linear 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
In terms of sound, the New North Pole V2 linear switch is known for providing a frictionless typing experience while no longer having a rubber dampener. However, the specific sound characteristics of the switch are not mentioned in the provided information. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear linear switch by Wuque Studio is described as having a muted and subdued sound profile. It reduces switch noise through ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, resulting in a softer and quieter typing sound compared to regular switches. It foregoes the use of silicone dampeners, offering a distinct typing experience that blends tranquility and precision. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the New North Pole V2 linear switch is described as providing a frictionless typing feel, maintaining the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love, despite the removal of the rubber dampener. It is also mentioned that the switch offers a crisper typing experience. The specific feel characteristics of the switch, such as actuation force requirement and smoothness, are not mentioned in the provided information. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. It provides a gentle and approachable feel, standing in a safe middle-ground zone. However, detailed information about its specific feel characteristics is not provided.
Considering the available information, the New North Pole V2 and WS Silent Linear linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The New North Pole V2 provides a frictionless typing feel and its sound characteristics are not mentioned. The WS Silent Linear switch, on the other hand, offers a muted and subdued sound profile with reduced switch noise. Its specific feel characteristics are described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience. Although the specific details for both switches are not fully provided, it can be inferred that the New North Pole V2 linear switch may offer a smoother and crisper feel, while the WS Silent Linear switch focuses on minimizing noise and delivering a quieter typing sound. For those seeking a smoother and frictionless typing experience with no specific preference on sound, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable option. However, if a quieter typing experience with a gentler feel is desired, the WS Silent Linear switch would be a more fitting choice. Both switches offer unique advantages, and it is essential for newcomers to consider their personal preferences and requirements before making a decision.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prioritize a crisper typing experience and a frictionless typing feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. Despite the absence of a rubber dampener, Gateron has maintained the seamless glide and smoothness that users have come to love. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with unparalleled responsiveness, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is worth considering. These switches masterfully reduce switch noise without the use of silicone dampeners, offering a distinct typing experience that is both tranquil and precise. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference - whether you prefer the crisper feel of the New North Pole V2 or the quieter, more responsive feel of the WS Silent Linear. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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