SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which are linear switches. The Polaris Gray is best known for providing a bouncy typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing. Additionally, these switches have a clean and clacky sound profile, adding an auditory satisfaction to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out with its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. This switch offers a satisfyingly smooth keystroke without any additional tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing. This means that both switches will have the same characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which is ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for utilizing RGB lighting effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Polaris Gray differs from the Sea Salt Lemon. The Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This difference in material leads to variations in the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use it. On the other hand, the relatively stiffer polycarbonate used in the Polaris Gray bottom housing creates a clearer and more resonant sound.
It's important to note that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top housing materials of both switches are the same, the differing bottom housing materials will offer distinct typing experiences to users. Overall, the SP-Star Polaris Gray with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing will provide a sharper and clearer sound, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon with a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, several differences can be observed. The Polaris Gray has an actuation force that is currently unavailable, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, its bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, providing a lighter touch when triggering keystrokes. Additionally, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. Therefore, in terms of weight, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is lighter compared to the Polaris Gray linear switch. This lighter weight appeals to individuals who prefer to type for longer durations, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Gray switch may offer a more substantial typing experience due to its potentially heavier actuation force, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite the differences, both switches can achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing alternatives for users with specific preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the distance they feel. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. A neutral switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer a clean and clacky sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Polaris Gray and the Sea Salt Lemon switches share similar qualities. Both switches are described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as their qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Polaris Gray switch is also noted for its polished feel, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Sea Salt Lemon switch does not have specific information regarding its feel, so we can assume that it offers a similar mild typing experience.
Taking into account the available information, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a bouncy and buttery smooth typing experience. They share similar sound profiles, being low-pitched and neutral. In terms of feel, both switches provide a mild typing experience, with the Polaris Gray having the added benefit of a polished finish for a sleek feel. While specific details about the Sea Salt Lemon switch's feel are unknown, we can expect it to offer a comparable mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and factors such as desired sound and feel, as well as any additional features or customization options offered by the specific keyboard models that utilize these switches.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
If you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switches would be a great choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a satisfying and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switches have a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound profile, which adds to the overall enjoyment of typing on these switches. Furthermore, their mild and polished feel ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switches would be a perfect fit. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches provide a lighter and more effortless typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which creates a mellow and pleasant typing sound. Additionally, their mild feel guarantees a gentle typing experience that will be approachable to most users.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is the perfect fit. Consider your preferences and typing style when making your decision, and you'll be sure to find the switches that will enhance your typing pleasure.
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