KTT Miaowu vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Miaowu, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Miaowu is praised for its enhanced stem stability and smooth keystroke action due to the utilization of POK in its stem, offering a bouncy and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is known for its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. If you prefer a linear switch with a bouncy and clacky feel, the Miaowu may be the way to go. However, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a neutral, mild, and polished typing experience, the Polaris Purple could be your best bet. 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
2.00 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
POK
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, it is clear that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to come through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the Miaowu distinguishes itself by using a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and clear sound profile, showcasing the impact that different bottom housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
While both keyboards share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The Miaowu's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound quality, whereas the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This distinction highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with nylon offering a deeper sound and polycarbonate providing a crisper sound. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Miaowu and the SP-Star Polaris Purple showcase the importance of material choice in creating a unique typing experience. While both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound quality and aesthetics allows for customization and personalization in selecting the ideal keyboard for individual preferences. Ultimately, whether opting for the Miaowu or the Polaris Purple, users can expect a distinct typing experience based on the housing materials used in each keyboard.
Weight
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more effortless typing experience compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch. The Polaris Purple, on the other hand, has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial push feel when typing. While both switches offer a different typing experience, individuals who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Miaowu switch, while those who enjoy a more significant push may lean towards the Polaris Purple switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Miaowu offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple provides a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately the decision between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Miaowu switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches will provide different auditory experiences, with the Miaowu being more crisp and bright, while the Polaris Purple will offer a more balanced sound suitable for various settings.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with lively keys that rebound when pressed. In comparison, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a mild typing experience, making it more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switch is described as polished, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Miaowu being more dynamic and bouncy, while the Polaris Purple is more refined and polished in feel.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics for users to consider. The Miaowu switch will provide a clacky sound and bouncy feel, ideal for those seeking a more energetic typing experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch offers a neutral sound with a mild and polished feel, catering to a wider range of preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches promise quality and performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy, more spring-like feel, the Miaowu switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a mild, polished typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the Polaris Purple switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and the experience you're looking to achieve.
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