SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Purple Click. The Polaris Purple is well-known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to its big tactile bump. This switch also offers a snappy sound profile, making each keystroke satisfying. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, stands out with its fairly high-pitched, yet satisfying click. Its keystrokes are light, striking a perfect balance between tactility and ease of use. Both switches offer unique attributes that enhance the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make a more informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Purple Click exhibit several similarities. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, regardless of whether you use the Polaris Purple or the Purple Click, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
However, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in distinct characteristics for each switch. The Polaris Purple’s polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Purple Click features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, when pressing down on the switches, the bottom housing material will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel, with the Polaris Purple emphasizing sharpness and resonance and the Purple Click focusing on depth and fullness.
Moreover, the housing materials of the top and bottom also impact the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing, shared by both switches, will predominantly influence the sound when letting go of a key. However, the bottom housing, whether it is polycarbonate or nylon, will still contribute to the overall sound produced. Therefore, while the sound quality may vary depending on the switch, both the Polaris Purple and the Purple Click guarantee an enjoyable typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Polaris Purple is not specified, while the Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Purple requires 67 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the Purple Click requires 55 grams, which is considered medium-light.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Purple Click, as its actuation force and bottom out force are both on the lighter side. This can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Polaris Purple may be a better choice. Its higher bottom out force provides a heavier and more tactile feedback.
Although the specific actuation force for the Polaris Purple is unknown, it is likely to be heavier than the 40 grams of the Purple Click. However, both switches offer a similar medium-light to medium-heavy range, so users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of force. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it becomes evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, both switches offer the same tactile feedback and keypress feeling in terms of travel distance, ensuring consistent user experience.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 Polaris Purple switch is known for its big tactile bump, which provides an exhilarating tactile typing experience. The sound profile of this switch is described as snappy, giving a neutral sound that is suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is known for its fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. It has light keystrokes with a pronounced tactility, creating a perfect equilibrium. The sound profile of the Purple Click is described as crunchy and resonant, offering an immersive auditory experience.
In terms of sound, the Polaris Purple switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether used at home or work. The Purple Click switch, on the other hand, has a crunchy sound profile, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. It also has a resonant sound, with a higher-pitched profile that is clean and sharp. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switch offers a mild typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone. It has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This creates a sleek typing experience. The Purple Click switch, on the other hand, offers an invigorating and reactive feel, with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. It has a stepped feel, which means there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a mild tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Polaris Purple and Purple Click switches have distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Polaris Purple provides a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, offering an exhilarating typing experience with a neutral sound. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch has a high-pitched satisfying click and light keystrokes with pronounced tactility. Its sound profile is crunchy and resonant, creating an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, and the choice between them will depend on personal preferences. However, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a similar sound and feel, either of these options will provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
To summarize, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is a great choice if you're looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force and a big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience. The sound profile is described as neutral, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. The feel of the Polaris Purple switch is mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is a better option if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a high-pitched, satisfying click. The keystrokes are light yet tactile, striking a perfect equilibrium. The sound profile is described as crunchy and resonant, giving you an immersive auditory experience. The feel of the Purple Click switch is invigorating and stepped, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive typing sensation.
Ultimately, your decision between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a big tactile bump and a smooth typing experience, the Polaris Purple is the way to go. However, if you're a fan of satisfying clicks and a more invigorating typing sensation, the Purple Click is the better choice for you. Consider both the bottom out force and the sound and feel profiles to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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