Gateron North Pole V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offer unique characteristics catered to different preferences. The North Pole V2 is praised for its gummy feel, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile stands out for its smoothness combined with a noticeable tactile bump, providing a more tactile typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the North Pole V2 offers a creamy and bouncy feel, the WS Light Tactile provides an easy-to-press and stepped sensation. Each switch has its own set of qualities that may suit different typing styles and preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron North Pole V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it ideal for those looking to add some color to their keyboard setup. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
When comparing the housing materials of the North Pole V2 and the WS Light Tactile, it is clear that they each offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used for their top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing in the WS Light Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in material composition leads to a distinct typing experience for each switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
While the North Pole V2 and the WS Light Tactile use different materials for their bottom housings, both switches share the same properties of polycarbonate in their top housings. This means that users can expect a similar sharp and clear sound profile from the top housing of both switches. However, the WS Light Tactile's use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, setting it apart from the North Pole V2 in terms of sound profile. Overall, the choice between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the North Pole V2 requires 65 grams, while the WS Light Tactile only needs 50 grams. This means that the WS Light Tactile switch is lighter overall compared to the North Pole V2. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the WS Light Tactile make it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the North Pole V2's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these switches, it is evident that they offer the same amount of key travel, providing a consistent typing experience for users. The 4 mm travel distance ensures that both switches offer a moderate amount of key travel, striking a balance between responsiveness and typing comfort. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron North Pole V2 or the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a subdued and muted sound profile, creating a quieter typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch produces a neutral sound signature, neither too loud nor too soft, suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches provide different sound characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing atmospheres, allowing users to choose based on their sound preference.
In terms of feel, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch is described as gummy, offering a unique typing experience akin to bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. This gives a satisfying and slightly chewy feeling when typing, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is noted for being stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feedback that is more gentle compared to harsher tactile switches. This allows for a smoother typing experience that is easy on the fingers, reducing fatigue during lengthy typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing users with options based on their preferred typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the North Pole V2 provides a gummy typing feel and a subdued sound profile, the WS Light Tactile offers a stepped tactile feedback and a neutral sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide quality characteristics that can elevate the typing experience, allowing users to customize their mechanical keyboards to suit their needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a gummy, creamy, or bouncy typing feel with a subdued sound profile, then the North Pole V2 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a neutral sound signature with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, then the WS Light Tactile could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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