SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options available to suit different preferences. Two popular choices include the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Rose. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch known for its exhilarating tactile bump and snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Rose is a linear switch that boasts a beautiful design alongside a unique typing experience provided by progressive springs. While the Polaris Purple offers a satisfying tactile feedback, the Rose delivers a substantial yet not heavy typing experience. Furthermore, the Rose switches have a distinct sound resembling bassy raindrops. Both switches have their merits, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Rose share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate generates a clear and resonant sound, which is beneficial for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a vibrant sound profile and plan to incorporate RGB lighting, both the Polaris Purple and the Rose would provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches diverge in their choice of materials. The Polaris Purple employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, while the KTT Rose utilizes nylon. The Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound and feel. The stiffness of polycarbonate ensures a more precise and defined typing experience. On the other hand, the Rose's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing materials allows users to personalize their typing experience based on their preference for sound.
In summary, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Rose share the advantageous qualities of polycarbonate for their top housings, delivering a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, their divergence in material choice for the bottom housing allows users to tailor the sound experience to their liking. The Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a more precise and defined bottom-out sound, while the Rose's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it is important to consider both the actuation force and the bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches is unavailable, but the bottom out force of the Polaris Purple is 67 grams, which can be categorized as medium-heavy, while the Rose has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also considered medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, both switches offer a similarly substantial typing experience. However, their actuation forces differ, as the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unknown, whereas the Rose's actuation force is also unavailable.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue, the weight of the switch may play a crucial role. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in long gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more pronounced and impactful typing sensation, opting for switches with heavier actuation forces may be more desirable.
In summary, while both the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch offer medium-heavy bottom out forces, their actuation forces remain unknown. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of the bottoming out experience, but may find varying levels of actuation force depending on their preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience and overall feel of a keyboard. Comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, both exhibit a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer a similar level of key travel. When pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent 4 mm of travel distance, providing a satisfying tactile or linear response respectively. In this case, both switches offer an equal travel distance, ensuring a consistent and reliable typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple 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 Purple for $5.00.
The KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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
The sound profile of the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as neutral, providing a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch is described as low-pitched, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it versatile for various typing needs. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
As for the feel, both switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of these switches stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable for most users. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness and reduced friction can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubrication, ensuring smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Rose switches provide pleasant and satisfying typing experiences. The Polaris Purple switch offers a big tactile bump, resulting in an exhilarating tactile typing experience, while the Rose switch utilizes progressive springs to provide a uniquely substantial yet not heavy typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct sound profiles, with the Polaris Purple being neutral and the Rose being low-pitched. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild and polished experience, ensuring a comfortable and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for the level of tactility and sound profile desired. However, it's important to keep in mind that individual preferences can vary, and it may be beneficial to test these switches firsthand to determine the best fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with an exhilarating tactile typing experience and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is the way to go. It offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The Polaris Purple also provides a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a uniquely substantial typing experience and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile reminiscent of raindrops, the KTT Rose is the ideal choice. Like the Polaris Purple, the Rose also has a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different usage scenarios. Additionally, the Rose offers a mild and polished feel, providing a comfortable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Rose boils down to your preferences in terms of tactile feedback, sound, and feel. Consider the level of bottom out force that suits you best, whether you prefer a snappy or bassy sound profile, and whether you prioritize a gentle and polished typing experience. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the mechanical keyboard switch that perfectly complements your typing style and enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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