SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) 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 TTC Silent Frozen, both of which are linear switches. The Polaris Gray is beloved by those who crave a bouncy and satisfying typing experience, thanks to its clean and clacky sound profile. While categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, this switch offers a unique blend of attributes. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch stands out for its exceptionally quiet sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. With descriptors like thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished, this switch offers a smooth and pillowy feel. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch is truly the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the TTC Silent Frozen, both featuring polycarbonate top and bottom housings, offer similar qualities and benefits. The use of polycarbonate in housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is mainly due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for the utilization of RGB lighting, making it especially suitable for users who plan to incorporate lighting effects into their switch setup.
However, while the materials used in the top and bottom housings of a switch typically have overlapping effects, they also have distinct influences on the overall performance. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent. It affects the bottom-out sound and feel, potentially enhancing the overall tactile experience when typing or gaming. Conversely, the top housing primarily influences the sound produced when a key is released.
In summary, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the TTC Silent Frozen benefit from the polycarbonate material used in their top and bottom housings, resulting in sharper and crisper sound profiles. The similarities in their housing materials guarantee similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics. However, the individual qualities of the top and bottom housings will also impact the switch's performance, with the bottom housing affecting the tactile experience while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Polaris Gray switch's actuation force is unavailable in grams, while the Silent Frozen switch requires a low actuation force of 39 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Gray switch requires a medium-heavy force of 67 grams, whereas the Silent Frozen switch only requires a light force of 43 grams.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is important to note that some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a switch with a heavier force for a stronger push feel.
Although the exact actuation force for the Polaris Gray switch is unavailable, it can be inferred that it might be heavier than the Silent Frozen switch due to its medium-heavy bottom out force. In contrast, the Silent Frozen switch is lighter both in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter switch with a lower actuation force and bottom out force may prefer the Silent Frozen switch, while those desiring a switch with a heavier feel might lean towards the Polaris Gray option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Polaris Gray falls into the more traditional range of 4.0 mm, offering a balanced depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen offers a slightly shallower travel distance at 3.5 mm, making it a preferred choice for gamers who require faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen would be your best option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Polaris Gray with its longer travel distance might be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct travel distances that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs.
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 Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 Polaris Gray switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which means they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, they can be described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. This makes them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you plan to use them at home or work. The Polaris Gray switches also have a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released.
On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switches are also thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. They have a low-pitched sound similar to the Polaris Gray switches, exhibiting a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, the Silent Frozen switches are additionally described as muted, meaning they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This feature helps minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Moving on to feel, the Polaris Gray switches offer a mild typing experience. They provide a gentle typing sensation, suited for most users as their qualities fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. These switches are also described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This smoothness reduces friction and enhances key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Similarly, the Silent Frozen switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience. They can be described as creamy, with a silky sensation when typing. The switches glide effortlessly under your fingers, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. They are also buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Silent Frozen switches offer a feathery feel, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue. They are also subtle, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. Furthermore, like the Polaris Gray switches, they are described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Polaris Gray and Silent Frozen switches share some similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both have a thocky sound with low-pitched tones, creating a deep and satisfying typing experience. They also offer a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined keystrokes. However, the Silent Frozen switches have the added benefit of being muted, providing a quieter typing experience and minimizing noise. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their different characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a bouncy typing experience and enjoys a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel, suitable for those who prefer a bit of resistance while typing. The sound profile of the Polaris Gray switches is described as low-pitched, neutral, and thocky, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you value a quiet typing experience and prefer a lighter feel, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switches might be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches offer a light and feathery typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Silent Frozen switches are known for their extremely quiet sound profile, described as thocky, low-pitched, and muted, providing a deep and mellow tone without the clackiness typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and TTC Silent Frozen switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Consider whether you prioritize a bouncy feel with clean and clacky sounds, or a quiet and smooth typing experience with a deep and mellow tone. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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