SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream stand out as two distinct options to choose from. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch known for its satisfying tactile bump and snappy sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear switch that offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. The Polaris Purple may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience, while the Vanilla Ice Cream may be preferred by those who prioritize a smooth and buttery feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality in their design. The Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Similarly, the Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing that also delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials focus on enhancing sound clarity, the Polaris Purple is more transparent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream's blend remains undisclosed, adding an element of mystery to its design.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches showcase different materials and their unique properties. The Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing in creating a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK bottom housing, known for its exceptional durability and smoothness. The POK material surpasses other materials in wear resistance and shock resistance, contributing to the smooth and clacky feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream switches. While the Polaris Purple focuses on enhancing sound quality through stiffness, the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes durability and smooth operation in its bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound quality and feel of each keystroke. While the Polaris Purple and the Vanilla Ice Cream both aim to deliver a distinctive sound profile, they do so using different materials in their top and bottom housings. The Polaris Purple leans towards a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing, while the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on durability and smoothness with its proprietary blend and POK bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a unique typing experience tailored to the preferences of the user.
Weight
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch have significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Purple has no specified actuation force, making it unclear how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is a medium-heavy 67 grams. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a light actuation force of 43 grams, requiring less pressure to activate a key, and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Vanilla Ice Cream switch lighter in overall feel compared to the Polaris Purple. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Polaris Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we can see that the Polaris Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is the shorter option, providing a quicker response time favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference in length may influence the user's preference based on their typing or gaming style. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance, and users can expect similar results in terms of typematic action and feedback.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. The Vanilla Ice Cream switches may be more appealing to those who enjoy a sharper and crisper sound when typing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Polaris Purple switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, thanks to its smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Typists who prefer a more effortless and uniform typing experience may find the Vanilla Ice Cream switches to be particularly appealing.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Polaris Purple switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched, clacky sound and a buttery, creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as the overall typing experience desired. Whether opting for the Polaris Purple or the Vanilla Ice Cream, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy sound profile with a big tactile bump, then the Polaris Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, then the Vanilla Ice Cream could be the better option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on what type of typing sensation and sound profile you prefer. So, consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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