Gateron North Pole V2 vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron North Pole V2 and the KTT Peach, both of which are linear switches. The North Pole V2 is best known for its gummy feel and deep, muted sound profile, giving typists a satisfying and chewy typing experience. In comparison, the Peach switch offers a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile. While the North Pole V2 is categorized as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished, the Peach switch is known for being low-pitched, neutral, and mild. These general descriptions can assist in making an initial choice; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron North Pole V2 and the KTT Peach both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Thus, both switches will provide similar sound characteristics and visual appeal when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate while the Peach uses nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 maintains the same attributes as its top housing, producing a sharper and resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Peach offers a different experience. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on the Peach will elicit a rounder and slightly duller sound compared to the North Pole V2.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the North Pole V2 will have a sharper and crisper sound when letting go of a key, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Peach will offer a slightly softer and rounder sound on key release due to its nylon top housing. Despite these differences, both switches are likely to provide satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, slightly heavier than the Peach's actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches provide a similar medium-weight feel when it comes to bottoming out, with the North Pole V2 requiring 65 grams and the Peach requiring 53 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Peach switch may be more suitable, as its lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This can be beneficial for individuals who use their keyboard extensively at work or for extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 offers a slightly stronger push feel with its higher actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
It's worth noting that while the bottom out forces of both switches are not significantly different, the North Pole V2 is still slightly heavier. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, there is a slightly larger amount of force required with the North Pole V2 compared to the Peach. However, overall, both switches fall within the medium-weight range when it comes to bottoming out.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron North Pole V2 and the KTT Peach switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Those looking for a lighter and easier typing experience may lean towards the Peach switch, while individuals who appreciate a slightly more substantial and resistant feel may prefer the North Pole V2.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In this case, both switches provide a similar user experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, whether you use the Gateron North Pole V2 or the KTT Peach, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron 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 North Pole V2 for $5.70.
The KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a deep and muted sound profile that can be described as gummy. This means that when you type on these switches, you will experience a more subdued and subtle sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Peach linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This gives the Peach switches a thocky sound that is deep in nature. Both switches provide unique sound profiles, with the North Pole V2 offering a more gummy and muted experience, while the Peach switches delivering a low-pitched and thocky sound. Keep in mind 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 the typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 offers a chewy and gummy typing experience that can be compared to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. This unique sensation provides a satisfying experience when pressing the keys, giving you a bounce-like feel. Additionally, the North Pole V2 switches are described as creamy and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switches provide a mild typing experience. While the exact details of the Peach switch's feel are unknown, a mild switch typically offers a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 and KTT Peach linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The North Pole V2 provides a gummy sound profile along with a chewy, creamy, bouncy, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Peach switches offer a thocky sound profile and a mild typing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a unique and gummy typing feel with a more subdued sound, the North Pole V2 is a great choice. If you prefer a low-pitched thocky sound and a mild typing experience, the Peach switches are a suitable option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a deep and muted sound profile, along with a satisfying chewy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 would be a great choice for you. It offers a gummy and creamy typing experience, with a bottom out force of 65 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, then the KTT Peach switch is the way to go. It has a bottom out force of 53 grams and provides a mild and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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