Everglide Bamboo Green vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Bamboo Green switches are well-known for their clacky sound signature and a crisp, sparkling tactility. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switches offer a big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. These switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in their housing materials, specifically the top and bottom housings. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top and bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, the PBT housing of the Bamboo Green offers a neutral sound with neither a crisp nor dull tone. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Purple creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through.
When it comes to aesthetics, the Bamboo Green's PBT housing is relatively unseen, providing a more subtle appearance. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing is clear and transparent, giving it a distinct visual appeal. The use of clear housing in switches is typically associated with polycarbonate, making it a recognizable choice among enthusiasts.
Despite these differences, both housing materials bring their own qualities to the switches. The impact on sound and feel when pressing down on a key is influenced more by the bottom housing, which means that both the PBT and polycarbonate bottoms will affect the overall experience. On the other hand, the top housing has a stronger influence on the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, while the materials differ, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when using either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. Firstly, in terms of actuation force, the Bamboo Green requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact force required for the Polaris Purple is unknown. However, both switches fall into the medium range for actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, we find that the Bamboo Green requires 62 grams of force to fully press the key, providing a medium level of resistance. On the contrary, the Polaris Purple has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Therefore, if one prefers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Polaris Purple would be the suitable choice.
Considering weight is important for different individuals depending on their preferences and use cases. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Bamboo Green, as it allows for longer periods of typing or gaming without straining the fingers. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a heavier switch can find a satisfying typing experience with the Polaris Purple.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Bamboo Green and the exact actuation force of the Polaris Purple are not provided, both switches offer a medium level of actuation force. However, the Bamboo Green has a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Polaris Purple has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. Hence, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Polaris Purple, while those desiring a lighter switch might opt for the Bamboo Green for extended periods of typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches have identical travel distances, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance of key travel. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback during typing or gaming sessions. Users can expect similar results in terms of the sensation and overall typing experience when using either the Bamboo Green or the Polaris Purple switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in sound and feel.
Starting with sound, the Bamboo Green switch has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a sharp and crisp sound with an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Bamboo Green switch offers a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches have two stages, providing mild pre-travel and/or post-travel. The accented characteristic indicates a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, Bamboo Green switches have a sharp and polished feel, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch offers a mild and polished feel. It provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics and has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In summary, the Bamboo Green switch is best known for its clacky sound signature, crisp tactility, stepped and accented feel, and sharp feedback intensity. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is best known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, snappy sound profile, mild feel, and polished finish. While they have different sound and feel characteristics, it is worth noting that both switches offer a polished typing experience. Depending on one's preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch would be the go-to choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and crave an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be the better option. In terms of sound, the Bamboo Green offers a high-pitched and resonant profile, while the Polaris Purple provides a neutral sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Bamboo Green is described as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished, while the Polaris Purple is described as mild and polished. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference, so consider what qualities align with your typing preferences and choose accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
