SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Polaris Gray and the TTC Silent Brown are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Polaris Gray is best known for providing a bouncy typing experience, with a clean and clacky sound profile. Its low-pitched and neutral characteristics, along with a mild thocky feel, make it a favorable option for those seeking a polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown tactile switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Users who appreciate a buttery and muted sound profile will find these switches particularly appealing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the TTC Silent Brown switches offer different sound profiles and aesthetic features. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. However, while the Polaris Gray also incorporates polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Silent Brown uses nylon instead. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material gives the Silent Brown a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Polaris Gray.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown contributes to its distinct typing experience, providing a softer and more cushioned sensation when pressing down keys. Conversely, when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the top housing has a greater influence. Both switches' polycarbonate top housing ensures a clear and resonant sound profile upon key release, amplifying the satisfying click or tactile feedback. Consequently, users can expect a consistent and pleasing auditory experience with both switches, albeit with slight variations in the overall sound due to the different bottom housing materials.
Overall, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the TTC Silent Brown switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound profile due to their shared polycarbonate top housing. However, the difference in bottom housing materials - polycarbonate for the Polaris Gray and nylon for the Silent Brown - results in slightly contrasting sound characteristics. The Polaris Gray delivers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Silent Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between a more resonant and precise sound or a softer and cushioned typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, some similarities and differences can be observed. In terms of actuation force, the Polaris Gray's exact measurement is unknown, while the Silent Brown requires 45 grams of force for actuation. Thus, the Silent Brown is lighter in this aspect. Moving on to bottom out force, the Polaris Gray requires 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Silent Brown requires 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Therefore, the Silent Brown is slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force.
Considering the weight aspect, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. This makes it an ideal choice for bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, options with heavier forces would be more suitable.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and TTC Silent Brown differ slightly. The Silent Brown requires less force for actuation but slightly more force for bottoming out compared to the Polaris Gray. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category for bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key sensitivity and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is 4.0 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Brown. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Polaris Gray being more towards the average and the Silent Brown being slightly shallower. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Silent Brown's slightly shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press might find the Polaris Gray's longer travel distance more satisfying. Regardless of the difference in travel distance, both switches will provide similar results in terms of functionality and overall typing experience.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
The SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is known for providing a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. It is categorized as having a low-pitched sound, which is characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is described as having a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe, middle-ground zone. Its polished finish results in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. It is praised for its muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Brown switch is also categorized as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience similar to the Polaris Gray switch. It has a polished finish that ensures smooth and effortless keystrokes.
Based on the information given, the Polaris Gray and TTC Silent Brown switches have different sound profiles, with the Polaris Gray having a low-pitched, clean, and clacky sound, while the Silent Brown has a muted sound. However, both switches offer a mild feel with a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined typing experiences. Therefore, if you are looking for a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray switch would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a softer and quieter sound, the Silent Brown switch would be a better option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a mild and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switches have a low-pitched and thocky sound, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is what you should consider. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a mild and polished feel similar to the Polaris Gray switches. However, the Silent Brown switches have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise usually associated with mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should be based on your preference for the typing experience and the sound profile. If you prefer a bouncier and clacky feel with a low-pitched and thocky sound, go for the Polaris Gray switches. On the other hand, if you want a more comfortable and muted typing experience, with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown switches would be the better choice.
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