TTC Flaming Pink vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the SP-Star Polaris Purple present compelling options tailored to different user preferences. The Flaming Pink switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and responsive feel, coupled with a pleasant bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience, making it a versatile choice for both gamers and daily typists. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch offers a distinct tactile experience, characterized by a pronounced bump that creates an exhilarating feedback sensation on each keypress, and comes with a snappy sound profile that many users find satisfying. While the Flaming Pink excels in providing a seamless, quiet typing journey, the Polaris Purple caters to those who crave tactile feedback and an engaging auditory response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer a fascinating comparison, particularly in their top houses, both of which utilize polycarbonate. This shared material contributes to a strikingly similar auditory response, with both switches producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the material not only amplifies the aesthetic appeal, particularly for users interested in RGB lighting effects, but it also ensures that both switches can deliver vibrant visual displays, making them equally appealing for customization enthusiasts.
However, the differences between the two switches become pronounced when we examine their bottom housing materials. The Flaming Pink features nylon, a traditional choice that brings depth and fullness to the typing experience. Nylon's softer nature provides a more muted sound profile, absorbing some of the impact and contributing to a rounder feel during key presses. In contrast, the Polaris Purple opts for polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, which aligns its sonic characteristics more closely with the top housing. This decision means that, unlike the Flaming Pink, the Polaris Purple will echo the sharper sound profile throughout the entire switch, potentially resulting in a more vibrant yet less nuanced auditory experience.
In summary, while both the TTC Flaming Pink and the SP-Star Polaris Purple incorporate polycarbonate in their top housings, the distinctive use of nylon in the Flaming Pink’s bottom housing ensures a richer sound variability. Therefore, the Flaming Pink's performance features a blend of a fuller bottom-end sound due to the nylon while also maintaining the clear, resonant qualities from the polycarbonate top. Conversely, the Polaris Purple, with its consistent use of polycarbonate across both housing pieces, is likely to deliver a more unified sound experience. As a result, users may choose between the two based on their preference for acoustic and tactile feedback—whether they prefer the warmer tones of nylon or the crisper sounds of pure polycarbonate.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The Flaming Pink features a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those seeking a comfortable typing experience for extended periods or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple lacks an explicitly defined actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, suggesting a more substantial typing feel. This heavier characteristic is more suited for users who prefer a stronger push-back during typing, delivering a more tactile experience. Overall, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option, while the Polaris Purple falls into the medium-heavy category; thus, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on whether one values a lighter touch or a more robust keystroke resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, the Flaming Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a snappier response, the Flaming Pink would be the better option due to its shorter travel, which can enhance gaming performance. Conversely, the Polaris Purple's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile experience with a gradual depth, providing a more substantial feel when pressing keys. In terms of traditional preferences, 4 mm is the most common travel distance, which aligns with the Polaris Purple's specifications, making it suitable for users who value a more classic key feel. Ultimately, the Flaming Pink is the shorter of the two, while the Polaris Purple takes the longer distance, catering to different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Flaming Pink and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches, they each offer distinct auditory experiences. The Flaming Pink switch provides a bright yet not overly loud sound, ideal for users seeking a balance between presence and subtlety in their keypresses. This makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks without being intrusive to those nearby. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch has a more snappy sound profile, which complements its tactile nature. This characteristic can contribute to a more engaging typing experience, as the audible feedback aligns well with the tactile bump, making each keypress feel more pronounced. While both switches promise a satisfying auditory experience, the Flaming Pink emphasizes a smoother sound, whereas the Polaris Purple leans into a more dynamic auditory feedback.
In regard to feel, the TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth, responsive actuation, which allows for effortless key travel, lending itself well to fast-paced typing and gaming. Users are likely to enjoy a seamless experience as they transition between strokes, making it feel premium and refined. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple boasts a big tactile bump, which provides an exhilarating tactile experience. This tactile feedback is enhanced by a mild and polished nature; the switch is designed to be approachable, with reduced friction aiding in a smooth journey for the fingertips. The combination of these tactile qualities creates a typing experience that is satisfying and engaging, albeit less linear than the Flaming Pink.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer unique advantages, catering to different preferences. The Flaming Pink excels in providing a smooth, premium typing experience with a balanced sound profile, making it versatile for various applications. The Polaris Purple, with its strong tactile bump and snappy sound, appeals to those who prioritize tactile feedback in their typing experience. Each switch has its merits and can deliver a rewarding experience, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light actuation force and crave a smooth, responsive feel for an effortless typing experience, the Flaming Pink switch is an excellent option, particularly for gaming or extensive typing sessions. Its satisfying sound profile complements its smooth action, making it enjoyable for both casual and intensive use. On the other hand, if you appreciate the tactile feedback that helps you register key presses more distinctly, the Polaris Purple switch may be the better choice for you. With its medium-heavy actuation force and pronounced tactile bump, it’s particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. The snappier sound and polished feel of the Polaris Purple switches can enhance your productivity and enjoyment, especially if you prefer a more deliberate typing rhythm. Ultimately, consider your typing style and what you value most in a switch—be it the smoothness of the Flaming Pink or the tactile satisfaction of the Polaris Purple—as this will guide you to the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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