TTC Gold Red Pro vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique features worth considering. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, providing a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature that suits various environments. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray appeals to those who enjoy a bouncy typing feel and a clean, clacky sound profile. While the Gold Red Pro is known for its adaptability and ease of press, the Polaris Gray stands out for its unique sound profile and tactile feedback. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gold Red Pro and the Polaris Gray, it is evident that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharp and clear sound profile similar to its top housing.
Despite their differences in the bottom housing material, both the Gold Red Pro and the Polaris Gray share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housing. This consistency ensures that users will experience a similar sharp and clear sound profile when pressing down on either switch. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also guarantees that both switches will provide a resonant sound profile that complements the overall typing experience. However, where they deviate is in the bottom housing, with the Gold Red Pro offering a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon material, while the Polaris Gray maintains a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Red Pro and the Polaris Gray will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches offer a consistent experience in their polycarbonate top housing, ensuring a clear and resonant sound profile when typing. Whether you prefer a softer sound or a sharper sound when pressing down on a key, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
Comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Polaris Gray's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is not specified. This means that the Polaris Gray provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Gold Red Pro offers a lighter actuation force for smoother typing. Depending on personal preference, individuals may opt for the lighter actuation force of the Gold Red Pro for extended typing sessions or the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray for a more robust typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages based on the weight of their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Red Pro provides a quicker response time, making it favorable for gamers seeking faster actions when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a slightly deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Polaris Gray being slightly longer than the Gold Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a neutral and low-pitched profile with a thocky feel, providing a satisfying and harmonious typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch also presents a low-pitched and neutral sound, but with a touch of the thocky sound, giving it a clean and clacky tone. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Gold Red Pro leaning slightly towards a deeper and richer sound, while the Polaris Gray offers a crisper and more pronounced typing noise.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth, gentle, and refined typing experience suitable for various users. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a mild and polished feel, ensuring a sleek and comfortable typing sensation that appeals to a wide range of preferences. Both switches offer a smooth and gentle typing experience, with the Gold Red Pro giving a slightly more refined and subtle feel compared to the Polaris Gray.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer versatile and enjoyable typing experiences with their unique sound profiles and tactile feels. While the Gold Red Pro excels in providing a harmonious and thocky sound, coupled with a polished and subtle feel, the Polaris Gray stands out for its clean and clacky sound, complemented by a mild and polished keypress. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and typing style, but rest assured that both options will deliver satisfactory results for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the Gold Red Pro for its versatility and adaptability in various typing scenarios. Its ease of press and neutral sound profile make it suitable for gaming, office work, or leisurely typing sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a bit more tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style, so choose the switch that best suits your needs and enjoy the satisfying typing experience it brings.
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