Gateron North Pole V2 vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch. The North Pole V2 is often described as "Gummy" due to its deep and muted sound profile, providing typists with a satisfying chewy typing feel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch from KTT stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to its use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the North Pole V2 offers a "Subdued" and "Polished" typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is known for its "Buttery" and "Marbly" qualities. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches prioritize a high-pitched and crisp sound profile. The North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, emphasizing a sharp and resonant sound quality. This material is known for its stiffness and clarity, making it a popular choice for switches meant to showcase RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend for its top housing and a POK material for the bottom housing. The KTT blend is described as offering a clacky sound signature, while the POK material is lauded for its smoothness and durability.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the North Pole V2 and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the North Pole V2 results in a sharper and more defined sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend of KTT materials offers a tactile and clacky typing experience, accentuating the sound profile in a different way. Both switches prioritize durability and sound quality, but achieve these goals through distinct housing materials that cater to different preferences.
In essence, the choice between the Gateron North Pole V2 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. While both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials, such as the clarity of polycarbonate in the North Pole V2 and the smoothness of POK in the Vanilla Ice Cream, they both promise a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with RGB lighting compatibility or a clacky feel with smooth switches, both options cater to different typing styles and preferences, showcasing the versatility in housing materials for mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch show a clear difference in weight. The North Pole V2 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Those who enjoy a substantial typing experience may lean towards the North Pole V2, while those looking for a lighter typing feel may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. The variation in weight between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the North Pole V2 offering a stronger push feel and the Vanilla Ice Cream providing a gentler typing experience for longer periods of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Vanilla Ice Cream has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the North Pole V2's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the North Pole V2's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches offer different advantages, with the shorter travel distance providing quicker actuation and the longer travel distance offering a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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, giving typists a satisfyingly gummy typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound that stands out with its marbly and resonant characteristics. Both switches offer distinct sound signatures, catering to different preferences and providing unique auditory feedback during typing sessions.
Moving on to feel, users of the North Pole V2 switch can expect a gummy typing experience akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, accompanied by a creamy and polished feel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is uniform and effortless. Both switches focus on delivering a smooth and pleasant feel while typing, but they achieve this through different approaches, catering to the preferences of typists looking for specific tactile feedback.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that the Gateron North Pole V2 and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique and distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the North Pole V2 provides a gummy typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound, paired with a buttery and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on the individual's preference for sound and typing feel, as both switches excel in providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gummy typing feel with a subdued sound profile, the North Pole V2 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a creamy, smooth typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to choose based on the typing experience you desire. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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