Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for different preferences are the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a tactile switch. The North Pole V2 is best described as "gummy" due to its deep and muted sound profile and satisfying chewy typing feel. It offers a unique typing experience that some users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with their medium-light actuation force. They provide a fatigue-free typing experience, making them suitable for extended sessions. Additionally, the WS Brown switches offer a delightful auditory experience cherished by enthusiasts due to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on which switch suits your needs best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown offer distinct differences in sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches designed with RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, known for its softer plastic composition, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the North Pole V2 employs polycarbonate, mirroring the qualities it possesses in the top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the switch is bottomed-out. Similarly, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience during typing. As with the top housing, the softer composition of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming-out the switch.
It's worth noting that when a switch features different materials for the top and bottom housing, the qualities of each material are split between the two. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will play a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, the choice of housing material can significantly impact not only the sound profile but also the tactile experience of using the switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch reveals some significant differences. The North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, which means it requires a medium-heavy push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Brown switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Moving on to the bottom out force, the North Pole V2 requires 65 grams of force to fully press a key, indicating a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter and providing a medium-light typing experience.
Weight plays a crucial role when it comes to switch preference. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience tend to enjoy switches with lower actuation and bottom out forces. This allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue, making it ideal for work or extensive gaming sessions. On the contrary, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For such individuals, switches with heavier forces are preferred.
In terms of weight, the Gateron North Pole V2 can be considered the heavier option with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces. In contrast, the WS Brown switch offers a lighter typing experience with medium-light bottom out force. It is important to note that since the actuation force of the WS Brown switch is unavailable, it is difficult to compare its weight directly to the North Pole V2. However, based on the provided information, it can be deduced that the WS Brown switch will provide a slightly lighter typing experience than the North Pole V2.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on an individual's personal preference for typing experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial and heavier feel may prefer the Gateron North Pole V2, while those looking for a lighter typing experience may find the WS Brown switch more suitable.
Travel distance
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being more common and 3.8 mm slightly shallower. However, there is a growing trend towards shorter travel distances in order to achieve faster response times, especially among gamers. If you prioritize responsiveness, the WS Brown switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the North Pole V2 for a more satisfying keystroke depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is best known for its gummy and creamy typing feel. When typing on these switches, users will experience a bottoming-out sensation similar to that of a trampoline or a gummy bear, creating a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, the switches offer a smooth and buttery feel, allowing users to effortlessly glide their fingers across the keys with ease. With a deep and muted sound profile, the North Pole V2 produces a subdued sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches offer a familiar and delightful tactile auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish. The WS Brown switches have a nylon housing and POM stem combination, which contributes to their beloved sound and feel. Unfortunately, further details about the tactile sensation and sound of the WS Brown switch are unknown.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The North Pole V2 provides a gummy and creamy typing feel, along with a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the WS Brown offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation in terms of feel but lacks information regarding sound. To achieve similar results, users could expect a subdued sound profile and a pleasant typing feel from the WS Brown, although the exact qualities may vary. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, the WS Brown tactile switch from Wuque Studio would be a great choice. With its medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it perfect for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. The WS Brown also offers a delightful auditory experience due to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch and enjoy a gummy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch would be a fantastic option. With its medium-heavy bottom out force, it provides a satisfying chewy typing experience. The North Pole V2 also has a deep and muted sound profile, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize comfort and familiarity with a lighter touch, the WS Brown tactile switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a unique gummy typing feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch would be a great fit for you. Consider these factors carefully when making your decision and enjoy the wonderful world of mechanical keyboards.
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