SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Wine Red. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that is best known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience. With a big tactile bump, this switch provides a satisfying feedback that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the Polaris Purple has a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch by KTT offers a different experience. It is a linear switch that is loved for its pillowy light typing feel and a deep, rich sound profile. Categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched', this switch provides a unique auditory experience. While these general pointers can help in choosing a switch based on your preferences, let's dive deeper into the characteristics of each switch to help you make the best decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Wine Red both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, making them similar in terms of material. The use of polycarbonate in both housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the keyboards equipped with these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing experience with vibrant and vivid lighting effects.
Since both the top and bottom housings are made from polycarbonate for both switches, the qualities attributed to this material will be distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, you will feel and experience the qualities of the polycarbonate bottom housing, which has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and tactile experiences when using either the SP-Star Polaris Purple or the KTT Wine Red due to their shared polycarbonate housing materials.
In summary, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Wine Red keyboards offer similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top and bottom housings. These polycarbonate housings contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as well as a more clear and resonant tactile feel when typing. Their translucency also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. While the distribution of these housing materials may differ between the top and bottom of the switches, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are clear differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Purple's actuation force is currently unavailable, while the Wine Red requires 44 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottoming out, the Polaris Purple is heavier with a force of 67 grams, while the Wine Red is lighter at 55 grams.
The difference in actuation force means that the Wine Red will require a lighter touch to register a keystroke compared to the Polaris Purple, although the exact force needed for the Polaris Purple is unknown. Similarly, the bottom out force also shows a distinction between the two switches, with the Polaris Purple providing a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier force, while the Wine Red offers a lighter and potentially smoother sensation when pressing all the way down.
Weight is an essential consideration when choosing between these switches. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Wine Red would be more suitable, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing, especially during work or marathon gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience would lean toward the Polaris Purple or other options with heavier forces.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer distinct typing experiences. While the specifics of the Polaris Purple's actuation force are currently unknown, the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Wine Red make it a favorable choice for those seeking a lighter typing feel. Conversely, the Polaris Purple's higher bottom out force provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch are the same, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent and equal travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Whether you prefer a tactile switch like the Polaris Purple or a linear switch like the Wine Red, both will provide you with the same level of key travel 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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is best known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience due to its big tactile bump. The sound profile of this switch is described as snappy, providing a neutral sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The feel of the Polaris Purple switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. It is also considered a polished switch, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is best known for its intoxicating feel and the deep and rich sound profile it produces. Although the exact sound descriptor is not provided, it can be inferred that the sound of the Wine Red switch is bassy and low-pitched, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, there is no information available about the feel of the Wine Red switch.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and KTT Wine Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Purple has a snappy sound profile and provides a mild and polished typing experience, while the Wine Red is known for its deep and rich sound profile, but information about its feel is unknown. If you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a neutral sound and a gentle and polished feel, the Polaris Purple would be a great choice. If you prefer switches with a deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red might be worth considering, although its exact feel characteristics are uncertain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch with a tactile typing experience and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel that many enthusiasts enjoy. Additionally, the Polaris Purple has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and users.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more pillowy typing feel accompanied by a deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a medium-light touch that is often favored by those who prefer a softer typing experience. The Wine Red switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding a touch of depth and richness to your typing.
Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the KTT Wine Red will depend on your personal preferences. If you're seeking a tactile switch with a snappy sound profile, go for the Polaris Purple. If a light and pillowy typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile appeals to you more, then the Wine Red is the better option. Consider your typing style and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
