Gateron North Pole V2 vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron North Pole V2 and the TTC Silent Red. Both switches offer a linear feel, providing a smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback that some other switches offer.
The North Pole V2 is best known for its gummy and creamy typing feel. When typing on these switches, users will experience a deep and muted sound profile, creating a satisfying and chewy typing experience. This switch is categorized as gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished.
On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is perfect for those seeking a seamless typing experience without the noise. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switch offers a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with the added bonus of a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. It is categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and polished.
However, while these general characteristics can help guide your decision, let's delve a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the TTC Silent Red differ in terms of their bottom housings. The North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Silent Red employs a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, it enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of the switches.
In terms of the top housings, both the Gateron North Pole V2 and the TTC Silent Red share the same material - polycarbonate. This similarity means that they are likely to yield similar results in terms of sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhances the sharpness, pitch, and crispness of the sound. Its translucency is also advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through the switch. Therefore, although other aspects may differ, the top housings of the North Pole V2 and Silent Red will provide comparable sound experiences due to their shared polycarbonate material.
It is important to note that when a switch has different materials for the top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, when considering the overall sound experience of a switch, it is essential to take into account the characteristics of both the top and bottom housings, as they contribute differently to the sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that they have similar characteristics. Both switches have a medium-heavy actuation force, with the North Pole V2 requiring 50 grams of force and the Silent Red requiring 45 grams. Similarly, their bottom out forces are also in the medium-heavy range, with the North Pole V2 at 65 grams and the Silent Red at 63.5 grams. Therefore, it can be concluded that both switches provide a comparable typing experience in terms of the required force. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the push feel and the typing experience offered by these switches. The decision between these switches may come down to personal preference, with those who prefer lighter switches opting for the Silent Red and those who prefer a more substantial typing experience leaning towards the North Pole V2.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Comparing the two, the Gateron North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance than the TTC Silent Red. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4 mm being more common and 3.7 mm being slightly shallower. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, opting for the TTC Silent Red with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, and they may prefer the Gateron North Pole V2 with its slightly longer distance for a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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. It can be described as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches excel in providing a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for office or shared living spaces.
In terms of feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a unique and chewy typing experience. It is described as gummy, making bottoming out on this switch feel like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, it has a creamy and bouncy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with elastic feedback. The switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch both offer desirable qualities for different preferences. If you are looking for a linear switch with a deeper and more muted sound profile, along with a gummy and bouncy typing feel, the North Pole V2 would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch with a quieter sound profile and a buttery and mild typing feel, the TTC Silent Red would be more suitable. Both switches offer smooth and polished key travel, ensuring a refined and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a deep and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With its gummy and creamy feel, it'll feel like you're bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the way to go. Its muted sound profile and buttery feel offer maximum comfort, making it ideal for office or shared living space use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for sound and feel. Whether you prefer a gummy and deep typing experience or a smooth and quiet one, both switches have their own unique qualities to offer.
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