SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular contenders are the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Purple Click. The Polaris Gray is a linear switch that offers a bouncy typing experience. With a clean and clacky sound profile, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, is a clicky switch that boasts a fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. It offers light keystrokes with pronounced tactility, striking the perfect equilibrium. Both switches have their unique attributes that cater to specific preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Purple Click share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, whether it's the Polaris Gray or the Purple Click, you can expect similar results in sound and aesthetics when it comes to the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. While the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Purple Click utilizes nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In terms of the overall typing experience, the qualities brought by the bottom housing will have a more significant impact. The bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing material.
In summary, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Purple Click offer similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings. However, their bottom housings differ in material, with the Polaris Gray using polycarbonate and the Purple Click utilizing nylon. This leads to variations in the typing experience, with the bottom housing material playing a more prominent role in the sound when pressing down on the switch. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities to suit different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Gray switch's actuation force is unavailable, while the Purple Click switch has an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Gray requires 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, whereas the Purple Click requires 55 grams, which is considered medium-light.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This aspect is ideal for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions. However, those who value a more substantial typing experience often prefer switches with heavier forces, as it provides a stronger push feel.
In terms of similarities, it is not possible to compare the actuation forces of the Polaris Gray and Purple Click switches since the former's force is unavailable. However, both switches require a force to trigger a keystroke, with the actuation force representing this initial force. When it comes to bottoming out, which measures pressing down all the way, the Polaris Gray is heavier with its 67-gram bottom out force, while the Purple Click offers a lighter experience with a 55-gram bottom out force. Ultimately, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Purple Click switch, while those desiring a heavier and more substantial feel may prefer the Polaris Gray switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In this case, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch produces a low-pitched and thocky sound when pressed. The low-pitched tone provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, while the thocky characteristic adds a deep and satisfying quality to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers a crunchy and resonant sound. The crunchy attribute is commonly associated with clicky switches and resembles the crisp and crunchy sound of stepping on autumn leaves. Additionally, the resonant quality of the Purple Click switch provides a clean and sharp higher-pitched sound, creating an immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic of this switch provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes the typing experience approachable to most users, as its qualities fall within a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished feature of the Polaris Gray switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers an invigorating and stepped feel. The invigorating attribute provides a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The stepped characteristic of the Purple Click switch means that it has two stages of tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Polaris Gray switch provides a clean, clacky sound profile with low-pitched and thocky characteristics, offering a bouncy typing experience. The feel of the Polaris Gray switch is mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is known for its high-pitched, satisfying click sound, with attributes such as crunchiness and resonance. The Purple Click switch offers an invigorating and stepped feel, providing pronounced feedback and an immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience and a clean, clacky sound, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be the best choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel that some may find satisfying. In terms of sound, the Polaris Gray produces a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound, creating a deep and mellow tone. The feel of these switches is mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched, satisfying click and a lighter keystroke, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a medium-light feel that is balanced and comfortable. The Purple Click switches produce a crunchy and resonant sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. The feel of the Purple Click switches is invigorating and stepped, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and key feel. Consider the characteristics described above and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
