SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the TTC Silent Red offer two distinct experiences. On one hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that is best known for its exhilarating typing experience, thanks to its big tactile bump. With a snappy sound profile, this switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch from TTC is perfect for those seeking a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. With a muted sound profile, it is ideal for office or shared living spaces. Not only does the Silent Red provide a consistent and buttery feel throughout, but it also offers a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Purple and the TTC Silent Red differ in their bottom housing. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple's bottom housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a clear and resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, depending on personal preference, one may prefer the sharper and clearer sound of the Polaris Purple or the deeper and fuller sound of the Silent Red.
Regarding the top housing, both the Polaris Purple and the Silent Red employ polycarbonate for this component. As a result, their sound profiles are similar, with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is known for its relatively stiffer plastic nature, which contributes to the clear and resonant sound it produces. Additionally, both switches utilize the translucency of polycarbonate to enhance the aesthetics of the keyboard, particularly when using RGB lighting. Therefore, regardless of whether one chooses the Polaris Purple or the Silent Red, they can expect similar results in terms of the sound profile and the visual appeal offered by the polycarbonate top housing.
It is important to note that the differences in housing materials between the bottom and top housings of a switch will impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key. Thus, in the case of the Polaris Purple, the polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to the sharper and higher-pitched sound when the key is fully pressed. Conversely, the top housing, which is also polycarbonate in both switches, will predominantly affect the sound when releasing a key. This means that the sound profile when letting go of a key will be similar for both the Polaris Purple and the Silent Red, as they share the same top housing material. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel provided by the housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Polaris Purple has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Polaris Purple. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Polaris Purple measuring at 67 grams and the Silent Red at 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Silent Red may feel slightly lighter when fully pressed compared to the Polaris Purple.
Considerations for weight can come into play when choosing between these switches. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the lower actuation force of 45 grams in the Silent Red may be more suitable. This allows for longer periods of typing with less fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean more towards the Polaris Purple. With its higher actuation force (exact value unknown), it provides a greater resistance and feedback during keystrokes.
Despite the differences, both switches fall into the medium-heavy range for bottom out force. This means that they offer a decent amount of resistance when pressed fully down, giving a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and TTC Silent Red switches can provide similar results in terms of bottoming out. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer distance of 4.0 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can still have an impact on user experience. The Polaris Purple falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, providing a satisfactory depth when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Silent Red offers a slightly shallower experience, which some gamers prefer for its faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference; if you prefer a more responsive and quicker feel, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red may be the better option. However, if a deeper and more substantial key press is desired, the Polaris Purple's longer travel distance may be more suitable.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the Polaris Purple switch has a neutral sound profile that falls in the middle ground. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is categorized as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. These switches are ideal for environments such as offices or shared living spaces where noise needs to be minimized. It's worth mentioning that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Polaris Purple provides a mild and polished typing experience. Being a mild switch, it offers a gentle typing sensation that most users will find approachable. It doesn't have overly pronounced characteristics, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, being polished means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek and smooth key travel. Reduced friction and a comfortable typing experience can be expected with these switches. Similarly, the Silent Red switch also has a mild and polished feel. It offers a buttery keystroke experience, characterized by smooth and fluid typing. The uniformity and effortlessness of the typing sensation make these switches highly enjoyable to use.
Considering all the available information, the Polaris Purple and Silent Red switches offer different subjective qualities. The Polaris Purple excels in providing an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. It has a mild and polished feel, offering a safe and approachable middle-ground typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch focuses on delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile. It offers a buttery keystroke, ensuring a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. While these switches have their distinct qualities, they both offer pleasing experiences in their respective categories. So, if a newcomer is looking for a tactile switch with a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple would suit them. But if they prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Silent Red would be the excellent choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the way to go. With its big tactile bump, it provides an exhilarating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. It has a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a satisfying feel. Ultimately, the decision between the Polaris Purple and the Silent Red comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
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