TTC Brother vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Brother stands out for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is easy on the fingers. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature is sure to please clicky switch enthusiasts, while the tactile bump strikes a perfect balance between feedback and subtlety. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a big tactile bump for an exhilarating typing experience, with a snappy sound profile. While the Brother is categorized as 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the Polaris Purple falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design of the switch. However, the Brother features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials between the Brother and the Polaris Purple, the overall sound profile of each switch is impacted by the qualities of both the top and bottom housings. The Brother's nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing helps to maintain a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released, with both switches benefitting from the sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate in the top housing.
In conclusion, while the Brother and the Polaris Purple share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Brother creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on the combination of materials used in their housings, showcasing the importance of housing material in influencing the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, which does not provide information on actuation force. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the Brother switch, for which this information is unavailable. Those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Brother switch, while those who enjoy a heavier push for a more tactile typing experience may opt for the Polaris Purple. In terms of similarity, if the actuation forces were both the same, users would likely get similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. The Brother switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch provides a bit more depth in the keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The SP-Star Polaris Purple 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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound that delivers clear and crisp clicks with each keystroke. This sound signature is beloved by clicky switch enthusiasts for its distinctive and precise auditory feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as having a snappy sound profile, providing an exhilarating tactile typing experience. While the Brother switch leans more towards a crunchy sound, the Polaris Purple switch offers a different, yet equally enjoyable, auditory experience with its snappy sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, the tactile bump in the Brother switch is described as articulate and well-balanced, providing a satisfying tactile feedback without being overpowering. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is characterized as providing a milder typing experience, making it approachable to most users. Furthermore, the Polaris Purple switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing.
Overall, while the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches excel in their respective categories. The Brother switch provides a crunchy sound and easy-to-press feel with a well-balanced tactile feedback, perfect for those seeking a precise and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch delivers a snappy sound and a mild typing experience, making it a versatile option suitable for a wider range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both options will provide a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and breezy actuation with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple switch may be more up your alley. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize a lightweight actuation and crisp feedback or a medium-heavy tactile bump with a moderate sound profile. Whichever switch you choose, both offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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