KTT Mallo vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and the SP-Star Polaris Gray offer unique experiences for typists. The KTT Mallo switch is praised for its subtlety and finesse, providing a gentle tactility that offers just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo is a versatile choice for various typing environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is favored for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Mallo leans towards a more subdued and stepped design, the Polaris Gray offers a low-pitched and polished typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics to consider, making it important to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ in terms of their top and bottom housing materials. The Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while its nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a consistently clear and resonant sound profile. While both switches benefit from the stiffer polycarbonate material for a crisper sound, the Mallo's use of nylon for the bottom housing adds a unique depth to its typing experience.
Aesthetically, both the Mallo and the Polaris Gray showcase the translucency of polycarbonate in their housing materials, making them ideal for switches intended to feature RGB lighting. However, the differing bottom housing materials affect the overall sound profile of the switches. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with the material. This distinction highlights how even subtle variations in housing materials can significantly impact the typing feel and sound of a switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Mallo and the SP-Star Polaris Gray will come down to personal preference in typing experience. While both switches benefit from the clarity and resonance of polycarbonate in their top housing, the addition of nylon in the Mallo's bottom housing offers a unique depth to its sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a consistent sound profile throughout, thanks to its uniform use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a fuller, deeper typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, as the Mallo requires None grams to trigger a keystroke while the Polaris Gray has an actuation force of None grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mallo is lighter with 55 grams compared to the Polaris Gray's 67 grams for a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mallo, while individuals who enjoy a heavier push feel may opt for the Polaris Gray. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, with the Mallo offering a medium-light feel and the Polaris Gray providing a medium-heavy sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally responsive to key presses. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the keys travel when pressing down. While the Mallo offers a tactile feedback for a more satisfying typing experience, the Polaris Gray has a linear response for smoother key presses. Overall, whether you choose the Mallo or the Polaris Gray, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile that is gentle on the ears and suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a low-pitched and thocky sound that is more bass-heavy and satisfying for those who enjoy a deeper tone. While both switches fall under the neutral sound category, the Mallo leans towards a more subdued sound, whereas the Polaris Gray produces a more pronounced and impactful typing sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its feathery and mild typing experience, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and provides comfort for extended typing sessions. The switch delivers a subtle tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without being too overwhelming. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience that is comfortable and approachable to most users. Both switches sit in the mild typing experience category, with the Mallo offering a slightly lighter feel and the Polaris Gray showcasing a refined touch with reduced friction.
Overall, the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch each provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Mallo excels in subtlety and finesse with its neutral and subdued sound profile and feathery typing feel, making it a balanced choice for versatile typing needs. In contrast, the Polaris Gray stands out for its bouncy and impactful typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky sound, as well as a polished and smooth feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Mallo or the Polaris Gray, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light typing experience with subtle tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Mallo may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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