KTT Orange vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Gray are two popular options to consider. The KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy type feel with its 22mm long spring, providing a satisfying typing experience. With its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, this switch ensures a slick and frictionless typing experience, accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the factory-lubing enhances the overall smoothness and minimizes friction during key travel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is favored by those who prefer a bouncy typing experience. Known for its clean and clacky sound profile, this switch boasts characteristics such as being low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Both switches offer unique qualities that may cater to different preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will have a similar sound profile, with a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic, in both housings leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through.

Despite these similarities, it's important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and the bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the KTT Orange or the SP-Star Polaris Gray, the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the material of the bottom housing will contribute to the overall experience of typing on these switches. On the other hand, when letting go of a key, the sound will be influenced more by the material of the top housing. Therefore, while both switches may have similar sound profiles due to their shared polycarbonate material, the distribution of these qualities may vary slightly depending on whether it's the top or bottom housing.

Overall, both the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Gray showcase the advantages of using polycarbonate in their housing materials. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the sound profile of the switches, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switches. Whether it's the top or bottom housing of the switch, the use of polycarbonate ensures a clearer and more resonant typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, the differences become apparent. The Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams, providing a relatively light touch to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the actuation force of the Polaris Gray switch is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Orange switch in terms of force required. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Orange switch requires 53 grams of force, again remaining on the lighter side. Conversely, the Polaris Gray switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, presenting a heavier force requirement.

Considering the weight aspect, individuals who value a lighter switch may find the KTT Orange switch more suitable, as it allows for extended periods of typing without significant fatigue. This characteristic makes it a viable option for keyboards used in work environments or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel, might lean towards the Polaris Gray switch. The heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray switch gives it a more robust and forceful typing experience. It should be noted that both switches offer medium tactile feedback, despite the difference in force requirements.

In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Orange and SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches differ significantly. While the Orange switch provides a lighter touch with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, the Polaris Gray switch's actuation force remains unknown, but it requires a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. Depending on individual preferences, one may opt for the lighter and gentler Orange switch for prolonged typing sessions, while others may prefer the more forceful and substantial typing experience offered by the Polaris Gray switch.

Travel distance

The KTT Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have different travel distances. The Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Polaris Gray has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Orange offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Polaris Gray.

In general, a travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, while a distance of 3.5 mm is on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances, as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Orange switch would be a better option for you.

On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt. If you prefer a switch with a more substantial and deeper keypress feeling, the Polaris Gray with its longer travel distance would suit you better.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Gray will depend on your personal preferences and typing/gaming style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the KTT Orange and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches have a low-pitched profile. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the Polaris Gray switch also has a thocky sound characteristic, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps you use.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switch is described as bouncy and frictionless. This means that it provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Additionally, the switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished. A mild switch offers a more gentle typing experience, while a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. These switches also have reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to factory lubing.

In conclusion, both the KTT Orange and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. They both have a low-pitched sound profile, but the Polaris Gray switch also adds a thocky element to its sound. The Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and polished feel. Overall, if you are looking for a similar bouncy and frictionless typing experience, you can expect similar results from the Polaris Gray switch. However, if you prefer the thocky sound profile, the Orange switch may be a better choice.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are looking for a medium-light bottom out force and a bouncy typing experience with a slick, frictionless feel, the KTT Orange linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its 53 gram bottom out force, 22mm long spring, and excellent factory-lubing, you can expect a refined and fluid key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness. The Orange switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when compared to higher-pitched switches.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a typing experience that is clean, clacky, and bouncy, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is the perfect fit. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a slightly heavier feel while still maintaining a bouncy sensation. The Polaris Gray switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Orange switch, but also adds a thocky element, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and a slick, frictionless feel, go for the Orange switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a clean, clacky feel and a touch of thockiness, the Polaris Gray switch is the way to go. Consider your desired typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more