KTT Laurel vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Laurel and the SP-Star Polaris Gray are both linear switches, each offering their own unique qualities. The Laurel, with its medium-light weight and full POM housing, strikes the perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. It boasts a short travel distance and a long pole design, providing a snappy and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a bouncy typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a little more feedback. Its sound profile is clean and clacky, with a low-pitched and polished feel. Both switches have their advantages, offering different levels of sound 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic features. The Laurel features a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Polaris Gray has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for utilizing RGB lighting in the top housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique and pleasing sound qualities that make them desirable for different preferences and usage scenarios.
When comparing the bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material are primarily felt and heard during the bottom-out sound and feel. The POM housing of the Laurel emphasizes a deeper and more muted sound, providing a satisfying tactile experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray results in a sharper, crisper sound, enhancing the tactile feedback during keystrokes. These differences in bottom housings give users the opportunity to choose between a more subdued and dampened typing experience with the Laurel or a more precise and audible feedback with the Polaris Gray.
In terms of the top housings, the impact on the sound when releasing a key is more prominent. The POM top housing of the Laurel contributes to its unique and pleasant sound profile during key release. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Gray enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound when lifting a finger from a key. Despite the contrasting sound profiles, both top housings deliver enjoyable auditory experiences when releasing keys. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for those who wish to incorporate RGB lighting effects into their keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is relatively light, while its bottom out force is 50 grams. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is unavailable in terms of its actuation force, but it boasts a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, suggesting a more substantial typing experience.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Laurel switch would be a favorable choice, as its actuation force allows for effortless triggering of keystrokes. This lighter weight can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, where a lighter touch can reduce fatigue. Conversely, individuals who desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience might find the Polaris Gray switch more suitable. With its heavier bottom out force, typing on this switch may provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a sense of solidity.
Although the exact actuation force for the Polaris Gray switch is not known, the contrast with the Laurel switch suggests that it is likely heavier. However, if both switches were to have the same actuation force, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience – whether it be a lighter touch for extended periods or a stronger push for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is clear that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Polaris Gray has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Laurel's 3.5 mm travel distance falls into the category of shorter distances, which is favored by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray with its 4 mm travel distance offers a more hearty depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - opting for the Laurel for enhanced responsiveness or selecting the Polaris Gray for a more pronounced tactile experience. Both switches deliver their unique characteristics, providing users with different options to cater to their specific needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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, both the KTT Laurel and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches have a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This means that both switches will provide a pleasant and soothing sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive. This responsiveness is achieved through longer or dual-staged springs, providing a typing experience that feels lively and energetic. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is also polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the KTT Laurel and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Laurel switch provides a medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. It produces a subtly low-pitched sound and offers a snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. It is mild, polished, and suitable for most intents and purposes. While they differ in certain aspects, if you are looking for a low-pitched sound and a satisfying typing experience, you can expect similar results from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-light linear switch with a light bottom out force, then the KTT Laurel switch is the way to go. It offers a responsive and comfortable typing experience with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design. The Laurel also has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is a great choice. It provides a clean and clacky sound profile, with a low-pitched and thocky tone. The Polaris Gray switch also offers a mild and polished feel, making it approachable and smooth to type on. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. Consider your personal preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. In the end, both the Laurel and Polaris Gray switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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