KTT Phalaenopsis vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options are the KTT Phalaenopsis and the SP-Star Polaris Purple - both providing a tactile typing experience. The Phalaenopsis is known for its elegant translucent switches, boasting a light actuation force of 37g that makes typing effortless and minimizes finger fatigue even during prolonged sessions. With a satisfying and noticeable tactile bump of 50g, each keystroke becomes a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple showcases a significant tactile bump, offering an exhilarating typing experience. Its sound profile is described as snappy. The Phalaenopsis provides a unique flavor, while the Polaris Purple falls into the category of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. However, let's delve deeper to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Phalaenopsis and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both feature polycarbonate housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Both switches also have a translucent top housing, making them ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as the light can pass through and create vibrant visual effects.
However, despite their similarities, there is a key difference in the housing materials between the two switches. While both the Phalaenopsis and the Polaris Purple have a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. This distinction means that the qualities brought by the housing materials are divided between the bottom and top of the switches. When pressing down on the switch, the impact and resulting sound and feel will be influenced primarily by the bottom housing. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the sound will be more affected by the top housing of the switch.
In summary, the KTT Phalaenopsis and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share the advantages of utilizing polycarbonate housings in terms of sound profile and suitability for RGB lighting. However, the distinction lies in their respective bottom housing materials, which influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, while the housing materials may differ in their roles within the switches, they both contribute to enhancing the overall sound quality and aesthetics for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams, indicating a light touch is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unknown, leaving it unclear how much force is needed. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Phalaenopsis requires 50 grams of pressure to fully depress the key, which can provide a satisfying typing experience. The Polaris Purple, on the other hand, has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressing the keys.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Phalaenopsis, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This could be beneficial for those using the keyboard at work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may favor the Polaris Purple's heavier bottom out force, as it provides a stronger push feel.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Phalaenopsis is known and considered light, the actuation force of the Polaris Purple remains unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Phalaenopsis is lighter than that of the Polaris Purple, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Polaris Purple's heavier bottom out force more to their liking.
Travel distance
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance being the same for both switches ensures that users will experience similar tactile feedback and keypress experiences. Therefore, whether you choose the KTT Phalaenopsis or the SP-Star Polaris Purple, you can expect to obtain comparable results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. The deeper and richer sound profile of bassy switches adds a sense of depth and richness to each key press. It can be characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, thocky switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock".
In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is moderate and suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use these switches at home or work, the neutral sound profile provides a pleasant and balanced auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is described as stepped. Stepped switches have two stages of tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This means that the keystroke feels more mild in comparison to hypersensitive switches, offering a different typing experience characterized by distinct tactile stages during key presses.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as mild and polished. A mild switch provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches, which can result from the materials used or factory lubing, ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. Reduced friction and smooth key travel are expected with these switches.
In conclusion, the KTT Phalaenopsis and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches offer unique subjective qualities. The Phalaenopsis boasts a bassy and thocky sound profile, while providing a stepped feel during typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a neutral sound profile, a mild feel, and a polished finish for a more approachable and refined typing experience. Both switches have their merits, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, if a particular quality is desired and unknown for either switch, it is likely that similar results can be achieved by selecting the counterpart feature from the other switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the way to go. With its light actuation force of 50 grams, it minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis offers a deep and rich sound profile, characterized by its bassy and thocky qualities, providing a pleasant auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a more pronounced tactile feedback. The Polaris Purple switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments.
In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis provides a stepped experience, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, while the Polaris Purple offers a more mild and approachable typing experience. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Phalaenopsis and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches depends on your preferences for typing force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to determine which switch would be the best fit for you.
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