KTT Ash Gray vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come to mind are the KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Polaris Gray. The Ash Gray switch is best known for its tactile response, providing a substantial yet unobtrusive feel. With a light touch and crisp actuation, this switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is beloved for its bouncy typing experience. Its clean and clacky sound profile adds to the overall typing satisfaction. While the Ash Gray switch is categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, the Polaris Gray switch boasts low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished characteristics. Choosing between these switches depends on your personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, allowing the lighting effects to shine through. Therefore, both the Ash Gray and Polaris Gray will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Ash Gray differs from the Polaris Gray. The Ash Gray utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, which means it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray has a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the Polaris Gray will have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile even when bottoming out the keys. So, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Ash Gray would be the better choice, while the Polaris Gray would provide a sharper and more resonant sound.
In terms of overall typing experience, the Ash Gray and Polaris Gray will feel slightly different due to the split qualities of their housing materials. When pressing down on both switches, you will feel the impact and characteristics of the bottom housing material. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, so the Ash Gray with its nylon bottom housing will provide a softer and more absorptive touch compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. However, when releasing a key, the top housing material comes into play. Both switches being made from polycarbonate for their top housing will result in a similar sound when letting go of a key, with a sharp and resonant sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we can see some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams, which is a relatively light force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Polaris Gray does not have a specified actuation force, so it is unknown at this time. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is still within the medium-light range. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it comparatively heavier in terms of force needed to fully press the key. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions may find the Ash Gray more suitable, while others who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Polaris Gray. However, it's important to note that the Polaris Gray lacks a specified actuation force, so it may be necessary to conduct further research or experience them firsthand to accurately compare their performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ash Gray is on the shorter side, which is often favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Polaris Gray provides a deeper and more robust feel when pressing down on the key. It ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 sound profile of the KTT Ash Gray switch is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. It offers a satisfying yet unobtrusive tactile feedback that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is easy-to-press, providing a gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, offering a low-impact and comfortable typing experience. This switch enhances the typing experience by being highly responsive and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Polaris Gray switch, on the other hand, offers a more mild typing experience. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Ash Gray switch has a light and crisp actuation with a delightful blend of tactile feedback. It has a neutral sound profile and is easy-to-press, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch provides a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. It has a low-pitched sound profile, falls in the mild range for feel, and has a polished finish. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming. In terms of sound, it is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray switch is easy-to-press and offers a mild typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be a better fit for you. It features a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial feel. The Polaris Gray switch is described as having a clean and clacky sound profile, with low-pitched tones that are more bass-heavy and mellow. In terms of feel, it is also considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light touch, easy-to-press feel, and neutral sound, the Ash Gray switch would be the recommended option. However, if you prefer a bouncier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, clean and clacky sound, and a polished finish for a smooth typing feel, the Polaris Gray switch would be the better choice for you. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing experience to make the best decision.
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