Gateron North Pole V2 vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron North Pole V2 and the KTT Purple Click. While both switches offer unique qualities, they cater to different preferences. The North Pole V2 is best known for its gummy and creamy typing feel, along with a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch stands out with its high-pitched and satisfying click, offering a light keystroke with pronounced tactility. The North Pole V2 is categorized as more subdued and bouncy, while the Purple Click switch is described as invigorating and resonant. Both switches have their merits, offering a delightful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron North Pole V2 and the KTT Purple Click both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housing.

However, the bottom housings of these switches differ. The North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to enhance the sharp and crisp sound profile, while the KTT Purple Click's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and therefore produces a duller and rounder sound. This means that typing on the KTT Purple Click will result in a more satisfying and resonant typing experience due to the characteristics of its nylon bottom housing.

When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent when pressing down on the switch and contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while both switches share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housings, the differences in the bottom housings will result in distinct typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it becomes apparent that these switches offer different levels of weight. The North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Purple Click boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.

For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows them to type for extended periods, the Purple Click switch would be an ideal choice. The lighter actuation force ensures that keystrokes can be triggered with ease, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. This makes it a suitable option for those who frequently use their keyboards at work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions.

However, for individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the North Pole V2 switch would be a better fit. The heavier actuation force and bottom out force provide a satisfying tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel more deliberate and substantial. This would appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and forceful keystroke action.

Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches offer contrasting weights, catering to different preferences. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel when typing, both the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch provide options that can be tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when the keys are pressed, users will experience the same distance of travel in both switches. Therefore, the travel distance of these switches is equal, ensuring that users can expect similar results when using either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The North Pole V2 linear switch is best known for its gummy and chewy typing feel, offering a satisfying experience with each keystroke. When typing on these switches, the sound produced is deep and muted, creating a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Purple Click clicky switch is known for its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click. The keystrokes are light, providing a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. The sound produced by the Purple Click switch is described as crunchy, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, and resonant, offering a clean and sharp sound profile.

In terms of sound, the North Pole V2 provides a subdued experience, resulting in a dampened sound when pressed. It is not completely silent, but the sound is more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. The sound of the Purple Click switch is described as crunchy and resonant, making typing on it reminiscent of stepping on piles of crunchy leaves.

When it comes to feel, the North Pole V2 switch offers a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing experience. Bottoming out on these switches feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, creating a unique sensation. Additionally, the smooth and buttery typing experience provided by these switches can be attributed to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. The Purple Click switch, on the other hand, offers an invigorating and stepped typing experience. It provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Stepped switches provide a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel being felt.

Overall, the North Pole V2 and Purple Click switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The North Pole V2 provides a gummy, deep, and muted sound with a chewy typing feel, while the Purple Click offers a satisfying high-pitched click sound and a light keystroke with pronounced tactility. Both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, they can choose between the calm and subtle experience of the North Pole V2 or the invigorating and clicky feel of the Purple Click. Regardless, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences that are sure to enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel, then the North Pole V2 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a fairly high-pitched, satisfying click with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, then the Purple Click may be more suitable.

In terms of sound, the North Pole V2 provides a more subdued and subtle sound signature compared to most switches, while the Purple Click offers a crunchy sound that resembles stepping on piles of autumn leaves and can be described as resonant with a clean and sharp sound profile.

In terms of feel, the North Pole V2 offers a gummy typing experience, similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. It can also provide a creamy and bouncy sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. It can also provide a stepped feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the characteristics described above and test out both switches if possible to determine which one provides the most enjoyable typing experience for you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more