KTT Pine vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Pine and the SP-Star Polaris Gray are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics and benefits for users. The KTT Pine, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium-heavy feel, buttery smooth keystrokes, and effortless typing experience. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction, resulting in exceptionally smooth key travel. Additionally, the Pine is known for its bassy, buttery, creamy, and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is also a linear switch, but it offers a bouncy typing experience. Users who prefer a clean and clacky sound profile often gravitate towards these switches. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, the Polaris Gray provides a versatile and satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the SP-Star Polaris Gray are both described as polycarbonate, which leads to similar qualities in sound profile. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it an ideal choice for mechanical switches. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it a popular option for switch users who plan to utilize RGB lighting.
While both switches share the same housing material, the distribution of the polycarbonate between the top and bottom housing differs. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the choice of polycarbonate for the bottom housing will greatly impact the overall tactile feedback and experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the top housing, where the polycarbonate is also present, will primarily affect the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the sound profile upon releasing a key will be influenced by the polycarbonate material used in the top housing for both the Pine and the Polaris Gray.
In conclusion, both the KTT Pine and the SP-Star Polaris Gray make use of polycarbonate material for their top and bottom housings, resulting in similar benefits in sound profile and RGB lighting aesthetics. However, the distribution of the polycarbonate material will impact the typing experience differently. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Ultimately, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, providing a satisfying experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Polaris Gray is unknown. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Pine requiring 58 grams and the Polaris Gray being slightly heavier at 67 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming periods. A lighter switch like the Pine would be suitable for these purposes. However, others may desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, they would favor switches with heavier forces. The Polaris Gray, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, may appeal to those seeking this type of typing experience.
While the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is not specified, assuming it is similar to the Pine (which is also medium), users can expect comparable results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, it is important to note that the bottom out force of the Polaris Gray is heavier, providing a potentially different typing experience compared to the Pine. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the user's preference for weight and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Pine linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm distance. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches. Whether you choose the Pine or the Polaris Gray, you can expect similar results and a consistent tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 Pine linear switch is best characterized as bassy and low-pitched. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, which is typically more bass-heavy and mellow. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Although there are some similarities between the two switches in terms of sound, the Pine switch may offer a slightly deeper and more pronounced bassy sound compared to the Polaris Gray switch.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is best described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. This can be attributed to both the smooth and refined finish of the switch and the lubricant applied at the factory. Similarly, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished. The mild nature of these switches ensures a gentle and approachable typing experience, while the polished finish reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, but the Pine switch may provide a slightly more luxurious and effortless sensation compared to the Polaris Gray switch.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Pine and SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches exhibit some differences in sound and feel. The Pine switch offers a bassy sound profile with a deep and rich tone, while the Polaris Gray switch has a low-pitched sound profile that can be described as thocky. In terms of feel, the Pine switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience, while the Polaris Gray switch is mild and polished. Both switches are built to provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience, but the Pine switch may offer a more luxurious and effortless sensation. Overall, if you are looking for a bouncy typing experience with clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a buttery smooth feel and a deeper, richer sound, the Pine switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch that provides a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch is a great choice. With its factory-lubed finish and medium bottom out force of 58 grams, it offers effortless key travel and minimizes friction. Additionally, the Pine switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be a suitable option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the Pine switch. The Polaris Gray switch has a clean and clacky sound profile, characterized by low-pitched tones. It also provides a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a more gentle feel and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Pine and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. The Pine switch excels in providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation with a deep and rich sound, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncier feel with a clean and clacky sound. Consider the characteristics that align with your desired typing experience to make an informed decision.
Mentioned in this article
