TTC Gold Silver vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Polaris Gray mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics worth considering. The TTC Gold Silver is applauded for its rapid responsiveness, providing a swift and precise typing experience with a solid bottom-out and resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray appeals to those who prefer a bouncy typing feel, offering a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Polaris Gray stands out for its neutral and subtle attributes. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Gold Silver differs in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray retains polycarbonate for its bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch.
While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Silver creates a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray offers a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall sound and feel of the switch, showcasing how different materials can impact the user experience in subtle yet significant ways.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Silver and the Polaris Gray comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Gold Silver provides a balance of sharpness and depth, offering a versatile typing experience. In contrast, the Polaris Gray maintains a consistent sharp and resonant sound profile throughout, thanks to the use of polycarbonate in both housing components. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, highlighting the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Polaris Gray has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the Gold Silver's unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Gold Silver may be the preferred option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a heavier push feel may lean towards the Polaris Gray for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to the preferences of various users.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Silver being slightly shorter and the Polaris Gray being slightly longer. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying sound with each keystroke. This switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of settings, delivering a balanced auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch also features a low-pitched tone and thocky sound profile, providing a clean and clacky typing experience for users who enjoy a more lively sound. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect auditory experience based on their personal tastes.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch stands out for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key press that minimizes friction and enhances overall typing comfort. This switch delivers a mild and subtle typing feel, making it approachable to a wide range of users with its gentle resistance and quiet sound signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch also provides a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, offering a mild typing feel that caters to those seeking a comfortable and easy-to-use switch option. Both switches prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a comfortable and efficient typing experience with either option.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Gold Silver switch excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound profile with a polished and silky typing experience, the Polaris Gray switch delivers a clean and clacky sound with a mild and polished typing feel. Users can expect a high level of performance and comfort from either switch option, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of choice. Whether seeking rapid responsiveness and fluidity or a bouncy typing experience, both switches offer excellent quality and performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant sound profile, then the TTC Gold Silver switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch might be more suited to your taste. Additionally, if you enjoy a polished and silky typing feel, the Gold Silver switch could be the right fit, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a more mild and approachable typing experience. Take into account factors such as bottom out force, sound descriptors, and feel descriptors to make an informed decision that aligns with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so choose the one that resonates best with your typing style and preferences.
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