TTC Flaming Purple vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two standout mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple, known for its linear design, boasts a resonant character with a slightly bassy sound profile that adds an engaging flair to each keystroke. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple features a tactile switch with a big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the Flaming Purple is praised for its feathery nature and easy-to-press bottom-out of just 47g, the Polaris Purple stands out for its mild and polished feel. 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
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star Polaris Purple utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing is especially beneficial for switches that intend to incorporate RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. However, where they differ is in the material of their bottom housings. The Flaming Purple utilizes nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties which absorb more sound. In contrast, the Polaris Purple uses polycarbonate for the bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is sharper and more resonant compared to nylon.
In terms of sound characteristics, the Flaming Purple with its combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing offers a unique blend of clear, resonant sound on key release and deeper, fuller sound on bottom-out. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple maintains a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile with both top and bottom housings made of polycarbonate. While both switches may provide a high-quality typing experience, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star Polaris Purple will come down to individual preferences for sound and typing feel. Both switches showcase the benefits of using polycarbonate in the top housing, creating a sharp and clear sound profile. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Flaming Purple offers a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the Polaris Purple's consistent sharp sound profile. Whether a user prefers a more rounded sound with the Flaming Purple or a consistently crisp sound with the Polaris Purple, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Purple is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Polaris Purple is heavier with a bottom out force of 67 grams. The actuation force of the Polaris Purple is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Flaming Purple may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to activate. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Purple provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on the individual's typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we can see that the Flaming Purple has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Polaris Purple's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Flaming Purple may appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Polaris Purple may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance depends on individual preferences and the specific use case. If responsiveness is key, the Flaming Purple may be the preferred option, while those who value a more substantial key press may lean towards the Polaris Purple. Despite their differences in travel distance, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience depending on the user's needs and preferences.
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 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 TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is best known for its resonant and slightly bassy sound profile, providing a poppy undertone to each keystroke. This, combined with its feathery nature and light actuation force of 47g, creates a swift and effortless typing experience suitable for both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a big tactile bump, resulting in an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. The sound of the Flaming Purple leans towards a bassier end, while the Polaris Purple is described as neutral, making it suitable for various uses. The feel of the Flaming Purple is feathery and easy-to-press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, while the Polaris Purple is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience. Overall, the Flaming Purple linear switch provides a unique auditory flair and effortless typing experience, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a satisfying tactile bump and a smooth, polished feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, you should think about your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a light and feathery typing experience with a slightly bassy sound profile, the Flaming Purple might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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