SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that is best known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to its big tactile bump. Additionally, users praise its snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that showcases the beauty of a smooth typing experience. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design make these switches incredibly buttery smooth. While the Polaris Purple offers a satisfying tactile feedback, the Sea Salt Lemon focuses on providing a seamless typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch that suits your preferences and 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 of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon have some similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is also advantageous for RGB lighting purposes. Therefore, if you are looking for switches with clear housings and want to achieve a distinct sound and utilize RGB lighting, both the Polaris Purple and the Sea Salt Lemon will provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ in their material choice. The Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon employs nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prefer switches with a deeper and fuller sound when typing, the Sea Salt Lemon with its nylon bottom housing would be a suitable choice.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, both the Polaris Purple and the Sea Salt Lemon will offer distinct sound experiences based on their different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Purple's actuation force is currently unavailable, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires 45 grams to activate a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Purple is heavier with a measurement of 67 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon requires 53 grams for bottoming out.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer lighter switches would likely lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon, as its lighter actuation force of 45 grams allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. This lighter touch can be advantageous when using a keyboard for work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions, reducing strain on the fingers.
On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Polaris Purple. With a currently unavailable actuation force (presumably heavier) and a bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more robust typing experience. The heavier force required for activation and bottoming out can offer a satisfying tactile feedback to individuals who appreciate a more pronounced and precise keystroke.
In summary, the Polaris Purple exhibits a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. Although the exact actuation force for the Polaris Purple is unknown, it is likely to be on the heavier side. Individuals looking for a lighter touch may find the Sea Salt Lemon more suitable, while those desiring a stronger push feel may prefer the Polaris Purple.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 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, the Polaris Purple switch provides a snappy sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches are described as having a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
When it comes to feel, both the Polaris Purple and Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Polaris Purple switch, in particular, is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. However, the feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switch in terms of a polished finish is unknown. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience.
Taking into consideration all the available information, the Polaris Purple switch stands out for its exhilarating tactile typing experience and snappy sound profile. It also boasts a polished finish, providing a sleek and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is praised for being a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be, with a buttery smooth typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile. While both switches offer a mild typing experience, they provide slightly different subjective qualities. Nevertheless, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, either of these switches would be a great choice. Remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is a great choice. It offers a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, providing an exhilarating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth and lightweight typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force and progressive spring, you'll enjoy a lovely representation of what a linear switch can offer. Additionally, if you prioritize a neutral sound profile and a polished finish, both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, planning to use these switches at home or work, they will meet your needs. Ultimately, the decision between SP-Star Polaris Purple and KTT Sea Salt Lemon depends on your preference for tactile feedback and bottom out force, as well as your desire for a snappy sound profile or a buttery smooth typing experience. In the end, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
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