Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The North Pole V2 is a linear switch that is best known for its gummy and creamy typing feel, accompanied by a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is a tactile switch that offers a remarkable tactile bump, creating a satisfying resistance of 70g with each keystroke. It also provides a familiar and captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' nylon housings that contribute to a "thocky" resonance. While these general descriptions can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile.
Similarly, the bottom housings of these two switches also vary in material and sound characteristics. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the North Pole V2 contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, just like its top housing. As with the top housing, the translucency of polycarbonate is visually appealing and compatible with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Heavy Tactile adds to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience.
When comparing the overall sound and feel, it is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, when using either switch, these distinctions in housing materials will be evident in the corresponding stages of typing, providing a unique experience for each. However, if both switches were to feature the same housing materials, such as polycarbonate for both the top and bottom, the resulting sound profiles would exhibit similar characteristics, delivering a consistent and harmonious typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The North Pole V2 has an actuation force of 50 grams, which means it requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force for the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the North Pole V2 is 65 grams, indicating a heavier and more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. In comparison, the WS Heavy Tactile has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is comparatively lighter.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can greatly impact typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the WS Heavy Tactile with its lower bottom out force may be a preferable option. This allows for longer typing sessions without causing unnecessary strain. On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a stronger push feel for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. In this case, the North Pole V2 with its higher actuation and bottom out forces would be a suitable choice. It provides a more substantial and robust feel with each keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different user needs. Understanding the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch can help individuals make an informed decision to find the ideal typing experience that suits them best.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that there is a difference between the two. The North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The North Pole V2 falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the WS Heavy Tactile is on the shallower end. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile as it allows for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a deeper, more satisfying keypress, the North Pole V2 with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness and key depth. Despite their differences in travel distance, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of their functionality.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch produces a deep and muted sound profile that can be described as gummy. It offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, providing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a captivating and immersive sound profile. The nylon housing of these switches contributes to a "thocky" resonance, resulting in a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. The sound can be described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, offering a clean and sharp sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the North Pole V2 linear switch provides a delightful and chewy typing experience. It has a gummy feel, reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, it offers a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. It provides a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The switch can be described as bouncy, accented, sharp, and snappy, offering a lively feedback sensation with each key press.
Overall, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provide different subjective qualities. The North Pole V2 offers a gummy and muted sound profile, along with a delightful and chewy typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a captivating sound profile with a "thocky" resonance and an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback. Both switches have their unique qualities and can provide satisfying experiences for different preferences. If you desire a subdued and gummy typing experience, the North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a captivating sound profile and an invigorating typing sensation, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be an excellent option. It's important to note that the sound and feel of switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a deep, muted sound profile, as well as a satisfying chewy typing feel, then the Gateron North Pole V2 is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force of 45 grams, a profound and pronounced tactile bump, and a satisfying resistance that makes typing an engaging and immersive journey, then the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is the better choice. In terms of sound, the North Pole V2 offers a subdued and subtle sound signature, while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile. As for feel, the North Pole V2 gives a gummy and creamy typing experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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