TTC Flame Red vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options available, each with their own unique characteristics. Two popular linear switches that deserve your attention are the TTC Flame Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning visuals, boasting a dazzling light diffuser that makes it the perfect choice for those who value a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on this switch offers a weighty smoothness coupled with a clacky sound profile, creating a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is favored by those who prefer a bouncy typing experience. Its clean and clacky sound profile provides a satisfying audible feedback while typing. Both switches offer their own benefits and considerations. However, let's delve deeper into the details to help you make the best choice for your keyboard setup.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches exhibit distinct differences in their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Flame Red's nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the nylon's softness and sound absorption properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The clear housing of the Polaris Gray is particularly advantageous for those using RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. Therefore, while both switches utilize different materials for their housing, they offer diverse sound and visual experiences.

In terms of the bottom housings, the nylon and polycarbonate materials continue to manifest their unique characteristics. The Flame Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its nylon top housing counterpart. The relative softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. With its stiffer nature, polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, both switches share the advantage of their respective bottom housings influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing the distinct qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience.

While the Flame Red and the Polaris Gray switches have differences in their housing materials, both offer unique attributes to the sound produced when releasing a key. The nylon top housing of the Flame Red lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile when a key is let go. Similarly, the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Gray creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, providing a distinct acoustic experience upon key release. Therefore, despite their material disparities, both switches demonstrate how the top housing contributes significantly to the sound profile when releasing a key, allowing users to appreciate the nuanced differences in sound.

In summary, the TTC Flame Red and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches exhibit contrasting qualities in their housing materials. The Flame Red's nylon housing materials elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to their softness and increased sound absorption. In comparison, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing materials create a sharper and crisper sound profile as a result of their stiffness. Additionally, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Gray is especially advantageous for RGB lighting users. Although their top and bottom housings differ, both switches allow users to feel the distinct qualities brought about by their respective materials when pressing down or releasing a key. Therefore, whether one seeks a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and higher-pitched one, each switch provides a unique acoustic experience for keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to determine how it compares in this aspect. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams of pressure to fully depress the key, offering a medium-light bottoming out experience. Conversely, the Polaris Gray possesses a bottom out force of 67 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy and more substantial typing experience. It is worth noting that weight is an important factor to consider when choosing keyboard switches. A lighter switch, like the Flame Red, allows for longer periods of comfortable typing and is suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. For those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, options with heavier forces, like the Polaris Gray, would be preferred. Overall, while the actuation force of the Polaris Gray remains unknown, comparing the known values, it can be seen that the Flame Red provides a lighter touch, while the Polaris Gray offers a heavier and more tactile experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, allowing for precise and controlled keystrokes. Whether you choose the TTC Flame Red or the SP-Star Polaris Gray, you can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and overall keyboard feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is also described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both the Flame Red and Polaris Gray switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of both switches are approachable to most users, as they fall in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The polished feature can be achieved through the use of specific materials or factory lubing.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Flame Red and Polaris Gray switches have their unique qualities. The Flame Red switch stands out for its visual appeal with a dazzling light diffuser, making it the top choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. It provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and provide a mild typing experience with a polished finish.

If you are looking for a switch with a similar sound profile to the Flame Red but prefer the bouncy typing experience of the Polaris Gray, you may achieve similar results by using O-rings or other dampening mechanisms to adjust the sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.

Conclusion

In closing, to sum up the comparison between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the Flame Red switch is the one for you. Its dazzling light diffuser makes it the perfect choice for those who have a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch is ideal.

In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch is described as neutral, suitable for most intents and purposes, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them versatile for different typing styles and environments.

When it comes to feel, both switches provide a gentle typing experience, falling into the mild category. Additionally, they are both described as polished, offering smooth and refined finishes for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize visual aesthetics, weighty smoothness, and clacky sound (Flame Red) or a bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound (Polaris Gray). Assess your sound and feel preferences, keeping in mind that both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a polished feel. With these considerations in mind, you'll be able to choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more