TTC Honey vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Honey, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch. The Honey is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a frictionless typing experience. Additionally, these switches emit a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out for its exhilarating tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience. The sound profile of this switch is described as snappy. While these generalities may help you in your decision-making process, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these characteristics so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, specifically their polycarbonate top and bottom housings, share many similar characteristics. Both housings contribute to creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate as a plastic. This stiffness leads to a clearer and more resonant sound when typing on the switches.
Aesthetically, both the Honey and the Polaris Purple feature clear housings, indicating their use of polycarbonate. This translucency is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting with their switches, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through and enhance the overall visual experience.
However, it is important to note that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the properties of each housing material will be distributed accordingly. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key, affecting the sound profile when the switch is reset.
In summary, both the TTC Honey and the SP-Star Polaris Purple utilize polycarbonate as their housing material, resulting in similar benefits such as a sharp and crisp sound profile. The clear housing of polycarbonate also caters to RGB lighting enthusiasts. However, for switches with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be distinct and might affect the typing experience in different ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, providing a light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Honey switch is 50 grams, which is relatively light. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison.
Considerations for weight are important when choosing between these switches. Some users prefer a lighter actuation force, such as the Honey switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it ideal for professionals using a keyboard at work or gaming enthusiasts engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. However, there are individuals who prefer a stronger push feel to provide a more substantial typing experience. For these users, the Polaris Purple switch with its heavier bottom out force may be a more suitable option.
Ultimately, while the Honey switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, the Polaris Purple switch provides a medium-heavy typing experience. The preference for a lighter or heavier touch depends on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience. It is important to carefully consider both the actuation force and bottom out force when selecting a switch to ensure it aligns with personal preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. In this case, the Honey switch would be the preferred choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Polaris Purple switch with its longer travel distance would be the better option. It is important to consider personal preferences and intended use when choosing between these switches to ensure optimal typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a deep and pleasant sound profile that can be described as subdued. Although not completely silent, the Honey switch provides a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is known for its snappy sound profile, which can be described as neutral. It has a moderate sound profile that makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is best known for its smooth and creamy typing experience. The switch has a creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished feel. This means that when typing on the Honey switch, you can expect a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes that effortlessly melt into each key press. It offers a fluid and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish. It offers a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, providing a safe and approachable experience.
To summarize, the TTC Honey linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey switch has a subdued sound profile and provides a smooth and creamy typing experience. It offers a deep and pleasant sound and a range of feel descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch has a snappy sound profile and offers a mild typing experience. It has a polished finish and provides a safe middle-ground typing feel.
Based on this information, it can be concluded that the TTC Honey linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provide distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Honey switch offers a smoother and more creamy typing experience, the Polaris Purple switch provides a more gentle and polished typing feel. However, it's important to consider personal preferences and the other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth typing experience with a more subtle sound, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a creamy and frictionless feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The sound profile of the Honey switches is subdued, providing a dampened and less resonant sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be ideal. The big tactile bump on these switches provides an exhilarating typing experience, and the sound profile is described as snappy and neutral. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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