The KTT Strawberry V2 and Gateron North Pole switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature PC top housing, PC bottom housing, standard stem shape, 4 mm total travel, however, they come with different stem material (POM vs thermoplastic), spring (gold-plated vs 20 mm gold-plated stainless steel), actuation (43 g vs 50 g), bottom-out force (62 g vs 62.5 g), pre-travel (1.90 mm vs 2 mm). That said, they are only slightly similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The KTT Strawberry V2 is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PC bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a gold-plated spring. The 43g actuation occurs at 1.90mm. The 62g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by KTT. | The Gateron North Pole is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, PC bottom housing, and thermoplastic stem (standard shape). It features a 20 mm gold-plated stainless steel spring. The 50g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 62.5g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Gateron. |
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| Name | KTT Strawberry V2 | Gateron North Pole |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | PC | PC |
| Bottom housing | PC | PC |
| Stem material | POM | thermoplastic |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | gold-plated | 20 mm gold-plated stainless steel |
| Actuation | 43 g | 50 g |
| Bottom-out | 62 g | 62.5 g |
| Pre-travel | 1.90 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 4 mm | 4 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! lightly pre-lubed from factory | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | - | - |
| Manufacturer | KTT | Gateron |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the KTT Strawberry V2 is much more widely available, but the Gateron North Pole is also available in stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering KTT Strawberry V2 and Gateron North Pole switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
Comments on KTT Strawberry V2 switches | Comments on Gateron North Pole switches |
What's new with V2? The biggest change in V2 has been the reduction in the number of runners in the injection molding process. Previously in V1 there were 24 runners. In V2 there are now only 16 runners. For those unfamiliar with injection molding, a runner is a channel cut into the mold that allows for the plastic to flow from the nozzle into each cavity. Decreasing the number of runners and cavities allows for better control and consistency resulting in better tolerances and smoothness. Additionally, new molds are generally smoother than older molds due to pristine internal surfaces – dangkeebs. Recommended for deep sounding, thocky builds – beaverkeys. Strawberry V2's are a sweet premium linear inspired by bright berries. They're composed of a clear top housing, transperant pink bottom housing, and pink POM stem allowing for improved RGB transmittance. Additionally, the switches are lightly pre-lubed with an improved factory lubing technique to ensure they're ready to go as soon as they arrive! – dangkeebs. | Gateron North Pole are fully transparent linear switches with top and bottom polycarbonate housing and a unique stem material using ink v2 housing material – Coffeekeys. |
