TTC Flame Red vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The flame red switches are best known for their stunning visuals, particularly their dazzling light diffuser, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a backlit RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, giving a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Polaris purple switches are renowned for their exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to their significant tactile bump. This creates a snappy sound profile that adds a level of excitement to each keystroke. Both switches fall under the neutral, mild, polished category, offering a familiar and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in their housing materials, with the Flame Red featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. In terms of sound profile, the Flame Red's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing is beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting.
When it comes to the impact on the switch's performance, the difference in housing materials between the top and bottom housings can affect the overall sound and feel of typing. Pressing down on a switch will predominantly showcase the qualities of the bottom housing. As the Flame Red's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer composition, it is likely to produce a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. Conversely, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing with its stiffer plastic composition will contribute to a sharper and higher-pitched sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, the top housing's impact will be more noticeable when releasing a key. The Flame Red's nylon top housing's sound absorption properties will result in a more rounded sound when keys are released. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top housing will provide a clearer sound when keys are released.
In summary, while the TTC Flame Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in their housing materials, both materials have distinct effects on the sound profile and typing experience. The Flame Red's nylon housing creates a deeper and duller sound, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound. Additionally, the translucency of the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing makes it particularly advantageous for those planning to utilize RGB lighting. However, if one compares the impact of the top and bottom housings on the typing experience, the bottom housing's material holds more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has greater significance in the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the unique qualities of each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are clear differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Flame Red switch seems more suitable. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces of 45 grams and 54 grams respectively provide a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. This lighter weight may be especially appealing to individuals using their keyboards for extended periods of time, be it for work or long gaming sessions.
Alternatively, individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may find the Polaris Purple switch more to their liking. While the actuation force is unknown, the higher bottom out force of 67 grams suggests a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying keystroke. This heavier weight may provide a sense of stability and precision, making it an attractive choice for those who prefer a more robust typing experience.
Although the actuation force of the Polaris Purple switch is not disclosed, it is important to note that both switches possess a medium-level range. As such, users can expect somewhat similar results in terms of actuation force, albeit with potentially different tactile feedback due to the linear and tactile nature of the switches. Ultimately, the decision between the Flame Red and Polaris Purple switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and the desired level of resistance.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the key travel a total of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
The Flame Red switch is best known for its visually appealing light diffuser, making it ideal for backlit and RGB keyboards. When typing on these switches, users will experience a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is renowned for its large tactile bump, offering an exhilarating typing experience. Users will find the sound profile to be snappy.
In terms of sound, both the Flame Red and Polaris Purple switches are described as neutral. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and users, whether they are beginners or advanced. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, both switches are described as mild. This means that they offer a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most users, as they fall in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a visually appealing switch with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound, the Flame Red is an excellent choice, especially for backlit or RGB keyboards. On the other hand, if you crave an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound, the Polaris Purple switch is a great option. Both switches share the neutral sound and mild feel characteristics, providing a safe and approachable typing experience for most users.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a visually stunning keyboard with dazzling light diffusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is your best choice. These switches are perfect for backlit, RGB keyboards. In terms of feel, they offer a mild and polished typing experience, with a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you are looking for an exhilarating tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the one for you. These switches have a big tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback when typing, with a snappy sound profile. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, or planning to use them at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between the Flame Red and Polaris Purple switches comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.
Mentioned in this article
