KTT Darling vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the SP-Star Polaris Gray are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Darling is known for its chewy and substantial feel, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. It delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, creating a blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches provide a clean and clacky sound profile, perfect for those looking for a bouncy typing experience. While the Darling is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Resonant', the Polaris Gray is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
45g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visual appeal to the switches. However, the Darling's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound.
While the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate and provide similar sound characteristics, the difference lies in the bottom housings. The Darling's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This split in housing materials means that the bottom of the switch will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing will affect the sound when a key is released. The choice of housing material for the bottom can significantly impact the overall typing experience and the sound produced by the switch.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the KTT Darling and the SP-Star Polaris Gray offers a distinct typing experience for users. The Darling's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top and bottom housing offer a sharper and crisper sound, providing a different tactile feedback for users. Understanding how housing materials affect sound profiles in switches can help users choose the right switch for their preferences based on the desired sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the Polaris Gray for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Darling. The Darling offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a bit more depth, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to individual preferences and needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance in your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience that is both engaging and immersive. The sound produced upon bottoming out is described as clacky, offering a tactile and auditory feedback that is distinctive and satisfying. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is known for its clean and clacky sound profile, with a more neutral and low-pitched tone. The sound of the Polaris Gray switches is described as mellow and approachable, suitable for a wide range of users. While the Darling offers a sharper and more pronounced sound, the Polaris Gray provides a more subdued and versatile auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is praised for its bouncy and substantial typing sensation, offering a chewy and responsive feel with each keystroke. The keys have a lively and springy bounce, providing a satisfying rebound when pressed. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience. The keys feel smooth and polished, with reduced friction and a sleek key travel. While the Darling provides a more pronounced and bouncy feel, the Polaris Gray offers a smoother and more polished tactile feedback.
Overall, the KTT Darling linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling is characterized by its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, paired with a bouncy and substantial typing sensation. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch provides a clean and clacky sound, alongside a mild and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the sharper and more engaging experience of the Darling or the smoother and more versatile feel of the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, with each offering unique characteristics that cater to different individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing sensation and sound profile. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing experience with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound, the Darling switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing feel with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feedback and sound characteristics.
Mentioned in this article
