TTC Gold Red vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two top contenders are the TTC Gold Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray. The Gold Red switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, making it ideal for those who prefer a sleek and effortless feel. Additionally, its snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality without being overly ostentatious. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch provides a bouncy typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more lively and responsive feedback. With a clean and clacky sound profile, it brings a satisfying auditory element to your typing. Both switches fall within similar categories, such as being low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful if RGB lighting is intended to be used. Therefore, in terms of the top housing, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the TTC Gold Red differs from the SP-Star Polaris Gray. The Gold Red utilizes nylon as the material for its bottom housing, while the Polaris Gray sticks with polycarbonate. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. Consequently, when typing on the Gold Red switch, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing's influence will be more prominent when releasing a key.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches share similarities in terms of their top housing material, polycarbonate. This results in a similar sound profile and increases the suitability for using RGB lighting. However, they differ in the choice of material for the bottom housing, with the Gold Red utilizing nylon and the Polaris Gray sticking with polycarbonate. This distinction affects the overall sound profile and typing experience, with the bottom housing having a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel in the Gold Red and the top housing being more influential in the Polaris Gray switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Gold Red switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it relatively light and requiring a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Polaris Gray switch is unknown, leaving us unsure of the effort needed to activate a key. Despite this uncertainty, the Polaris Gray's bottom out force of 67 grams suggests a medium-heavy experience when pressing the keys all the way down.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Gold Red provides a lighter typing experience, which can be advantageous for those who need to type for extended periods, such as when using a keyboard at work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a potentially stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a heavier switch.
While the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is unknown, if it is similar to the Gold Red, users can expect a similar level of sensitivity when triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out force indicates that the Polaris Gray will offer a heavier typing experience overall. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This ensures that users will experience a similar tactile feedback and key feel with both switches. Whether you opt for the Gold Red or the Polaris Gray, you can expect comparable results in terms of travel distance and overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is best described as producing a thocky and low-pitched sound. The thocky sound profile gives a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when the key is pressed and released. It adds a subtle touch of personality to your typing experience without being too overpowering. The low-pitched nature of the switch contributes to a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, which can create a calming atmosphere while typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound with a thocky profile. This means that both switches provide similar sound qualities, producing a deep and satisfying tone when typing.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. The mild nature of the switch ensures a more gentle and approachable feel, suitable for most users. The smoothness of the switch, referred to as silky, enhances the overall typing feel by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle resistance provides a light typing feel without being too feather-light, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the switch's polished finish contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel with smooth and refined key travel. Thus, both switches share similar feel characteristics, ensuring a comfortable and smooth typing experience.
Considering the available information, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer similar sound profiles, featuring a low-pitched and thocky sound. In terms of feel, both switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. As such, if you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the Gold Red is an excellent option. If you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray is a great choice. Ultimately, it will depend on your personal preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
If you prioritize a lighter typing experience with a buttery smooth feel, then the Gold Red switch is the way to go. The light-medium resistance of 50 grams provides a comfortable typing experience, while the subtle and polished feel ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. Additionally, the sound profile of the Gold Red switch can be described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a slightly heavier touch, the Polaris Gray switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy level of resistance. The mild and polished feel of the Polaris Gray switch ensures a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The sound profile of these switches can be described as low-pitched, neutral, and thocky, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed and released.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lighter feel and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch would be an ideal fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncier feel and a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch would be a better choice. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your typing needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
