TTC Flaming Purple vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The Flaming Purple is known for its resonant character and bassier sound signature, providing an engaging auditory flair with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. The Flaming Purple is categorized as feathery and easy-to-press, while the Polaris Gray is categorized as polished and thocky. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Flaming Purple and the Polaris Gray both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. While both switches share this common feature, the Flaming Purple stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
On the other hand, the Polaris Gray maintains a consistent polycarbonate construction for both its top and bottom housing. This decision ensures a cohesive sound profile throughout the switch, emphasizing sharpness and clarity in sound production. The use of polycarbonate in both components guarantees a uniform feel and sound consistency when typing, providing a reliable performance for users. Despite the absence of different materials for the top and bottom housing like the Flaming Purple, the Polaris Gray excels in creating a seamless typing experience with a focus on sound precision and resonance.
Overall, while the Flaming Purple and the Polaris Gray share similarities in utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a distinct sound profile with a deeper tone, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains consistency in sound sharpness and clarity. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound production is crucial for users looking to tailor their typing experience to their preferences, whether it be for a crisper sound profile or a fuller sound with more depth. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to varying preferences in sound and typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Flaming Purple requires 47 grams, while the Polaris Gray needs 67 grams, making it heavier. This means that the Flaming Purple switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to the preferences of different users, ensuring that they can achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for increased speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a deeper and more tactile feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
When it comes to the sound profile, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch leans towards a bassier undertone, providing a poppy and engaging auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile, with a focus on a low-pitched and neutral tone. The Flaming Purple switch is described as resonant, which contributes to a clean and sharp sound, while the Polaris Gray switch is labeled as thocky, giving a deep and rich sound when pressed. Both switches have their unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, providing users with distinct auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience for extended use. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is labeled as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Flaming Purple focusing on a light and effortless typing feel, while the Polaris Gray offers a more approachable and polished keystroke.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch present unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassier sound profile and a feathery typing feel, catering to those who prefer a poppy auditory experience and effortless key presses. In contrast, the Polaris Gray switch offers a clean and clacky sound along with a mild and polished typing feel, appealing to users looking for a more neutral sound profile and gentle key feedback. Both switches have their strengths and cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will have a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prioritize a light and feathery typing experience with a bassier sound profile, the Flaming Purple with its 47g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-heavy bottom out force with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray with its 67g bottom out force might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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