Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The New North Pole V2 switches are best known for their frictionless typing feel, making them perfect for those who prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience. With the removal of the rubber dampener, these switches provide a crisper typing experience while still maintaining the seamless glide that users love. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are highly regarded for their ability to strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. These switches offer a medium level of tactility without compromising on reducing noise, making them ideal for office or work environments where a quieter typing experience is desired. The precision-crafted stem railings of the WS Silent Tactile switches effectively minimize switch sound while still delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile have different housing materials for both the top and bottom housings. The New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Silent Tactile uses a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for achieving a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing in the New North Pole V2 is translucent, making it perfect for showcasing RGB lighting effects. This translucent quality is not present in the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing. Therefore, if you prioritize RGB lighting in your keyboard setup, the New North Pole V2 would be the preferred choice.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches have polycarbonate and nylon options respectively. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 shares the same characteristics as its top housing, creating a sharper and clearer sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in the WS Silent Tactile contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, complementing the characteristics of its nylon top housing. Therefore, the choice between these two switches would depend on the specific sound profile you prefer when typing.
Ultimately, the difference in housing materials between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile leads to distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 results in a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon used in the WS Silent Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound. However, it's worth noting that the impact of each housing material varies depending on whether it is used for the top or bottom of the switch. The top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, it's important to consider your preferences and typing experience when choosing between these two 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 Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the New North Pole V2 is 50 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the New North Pole V2 at 62.5 grams and the WS Silent Tactile slightly heavier at 63.5 grams.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Those who prefer lighter switches will appreciate the New North Pole V2, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for work or extended gaming. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the WS Silent Tactile provides a slightly heavier bottom out force.
It's worth noting that without the precise actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile, it's challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, both switches can provide similar results in terms of medium actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile switch for faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt and may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the New North Pole V2 switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for either a more responsive or a more substantial typing experience.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is known for providing a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate level of sound, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are described as muted, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. These switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them a great choice for office and work environments where noise reduction is a priority. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches are known for providing a polished and frictionless typing experience. The absence of a rubber dampener in the V2 model allows for a crisper typing feel while retaining the smooth glide and seamless action that users love. These switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are described as accented, invigorating, or mild. This means that they provide a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. They offer a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing sensation. These switches fall within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of their feel, making them approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches offer a neutral sound profile and a polished, frictionless feel. They provide a crisper typing experience without compromising on the smoothness and glide that users love. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switches offer a muted sound profile and a tactility that is described as accented, invigorating, or mild. These switches strike a balance between noise reduction and tactile feedback, delivering a satisfyingly crisp actuation and responsive return. Both switches have their unique qualities and are well-suited for different preferences and environments. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose the Gateron New North Pole V2 for its seamless glide and smooth feel, or the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile for its quiet operation and invigorating tactile feedback. Either way, you can expect a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a seamless glide, the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be a great choice. It offers a crisper typing experience without compromising on smoothness. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a silent profile, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is the way to go. It strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, providing a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Additionally, it forgoes the use of silicone dampeners, creating a unique and tranquil typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel.
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