KTT Matcha vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and the SP-Star Polaris Purple are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and advantages for different types of typists. The Matcha is renowned for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it boasts a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out for its big tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating typing sensation. The sound profile is also described as snappy. While the Matcha is known for its stepped, clacky, and feathery qualities, the Polaris Purple is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished. These general pointers can assist users in choosing the switch that aligns best with their preferences and typing style. However, let's delve deeper to explore each switch's specific characteristics and nuances, allowing you to make an informed decision on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the KTT Matcha and the SP-Star Polaris Purple utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a clear and resonant sound when the keys are pressed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a more vibrant and visually appealing effect.
In terms of the top housing, the Matcha and the Polaris Purple are essentially the same. The polycarbonate material used in both switches contributes to the sharp and crisp sound profile, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. The translucency of the polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for users who seek to enhance their keyboard aesthetics with RGB lighting, allowing the light to illuminate through the top housing and create stunning visual effects.
Similarly, the bottom housing of the Matcha and the Polaris Purple both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material ensures a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys, making the bottom-out sound and feel more pronounced. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to the impact and tactile feedback experienced when typing on these switches, providing a satisfying keystroke.
Overall, the housing materials in the KTT Matcha and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, both top and bottom, are predominantly made of polycarbonate. This results in similar qualities and characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel for both switches. Whether it's the sharp and crisp sound when pressing a key or the clear and resonant bottom-out sound, users can expect comparable results from these switches due to the use of polycarbonate in their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unknown. However, the Matcha's bottom out force is 45 grams, whereas the Polaris Purple has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Matcha provides a lighter overall typing experience compared to the Polaris Purple, which is medium-heavy.
Considering weight is important for different preferences and situations. Those who favor a lighter switch may find that the Matcha is an ideal choice as it allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel and enjoy a stronger push may lean towards options with heavier forces like the Polaris Purple.
While the actuation force of the Polaris Purple is unspecified, it is important to note that both switches likely offer similar results for initiating a keystroke as long as the applied force is within their respective ranges. The Matcha's actuation force of 40 grams suggests it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke, and although the Polaris Purple's force is unknown, it is reasonable to assume that a similar level of force is required for actuation.
In summary, the Matcha tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Polaris Purple tactile switch. This makes the Matcha ideal for those seeking a lighter typing experience, while the Polaris Purple caters to individuals who prefer a heavier and more substantial key press. Although the precise actuation force of the Polaris Purple is unknown, it is likely to produce similar results to the Matcha within its own force range.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, the results in terms of travel distance will be similar for both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 KTT Matcha switch is known for producing a clacky sound when pressed. This means that it will have a sharp and snappy sound, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it will have a moderate sound with neither an overly loud nor quiet profile. The sound produced by both switches is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Matcha switch will provide a clacky sound, the Polaris Purple switch will have a neutral sound, providing a different auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Matcha switch offers a variety of sensations. It is described as a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactility. This allows for a more mild tactile experience, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. In addition, the Matcha switch is also described as snappy, which means it has a super responsive typing experience. The longer or dual-staged springs in the Matcha switch contribute to its snappy feel. Furthermore, the Matcha switch is also categorized as an accented switch, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It also has a feathery feel, which means it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It provides a safe middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switch is considered polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the KTT Matcha switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch provides a clacky sound profile, while the Polaris Purple switch has a neutral sound. Additionally, the Matcha switch has a stepped, snappy, accented, and feathery feel, while the Polaris Purple switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. However, it is important to note that personal preferences for sound and feel may vary for each individual. It is recommended to try out both switches, if possible, to determine which one aligns better with one's preferences. Additionally, it is worth considering other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom out force and a comfortable, snappy tactility, the KTT Matcha would be a great choice. It offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound and is described as clacky in terms of sound. Additionally, the Matcha switch is stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle in terms of feel, providing a responsive and comfortable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a big tactile bump for an exhilarating typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple would be a suitable option. This switch has a snappy sound profile, described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes. The Polaris Purple switch is mild and polished in terms of feel, offering a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Matcha and the SP-Star Polaris Purple will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and typing experience. Consider your desired typing feel and the environment in which you will be using the switches. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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