Durock Black Lotus vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer distinct advantages. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that is best known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, typing becomes an absolute pleasure. The 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between substantial and manageable. Additionally, the unique removable light column provides in-switch lighting, adding a touch of customization. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that stands out with its big, exhilarating tactile bump. Typing on these switches provides a satisfying experience, further enhanced by the snappy sound profile. While the Black Lotus offers a smooth linear feel, the Polaris Purple delivers a tactile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switch. The Black Lotus features a Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a distinct and premium feel. In contrast, the Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both switches offer different qualities in their top housing, they both provide a satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Black Lotus utilizes a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Despite the differences, both switches offer their own unique acoustic characteristics.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of the switches play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing takes center stage when releasing a key, affecting the sound produced. While their housing materials may differ, both the Black Lotus and the Polaris Purple switches contribute to an enhanced typing experience with their individual characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is clear that both switches fall into the medium-heavy force category. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unknown and its bottom out force is 67 grams.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Black Lotus, as this allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This lightweight feature is ideal for those who use their keyboards at work or engage in extensive gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards a switch with a heavier force. The Polaris Purple, with its bottom out force of 67 grams, provides a stronger push feel that some users may find satisfying.
Although specific actuation force information is unavailable for the Polaris Purple, it is still possible to achieve a similar keystroke experience to the Black Lotus by selecting a switch with comparable bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy force range, providing a sense of robustness during typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with users having the option to choose between a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a similar sensation as they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches. Whether you choose the Black Lotus or the Polaris Purple, you can expect a consistent and satisfying key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch does not have a specific descriptor provided. However, based on its silky smooth feel and precision, it is likely that the Black Lotus switch produces a quiet and smooth sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as having a snappy sound profile. This suggests that the Polaris Purple switch produces a sharper and more pronounced sound compared to the Black Lotus switch. 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 used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch offers a variety of descriptors. It is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Black Lotus switch provides an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience. It minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Similarly, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is also described as mild and polished. This suggests that the Polaris Purple switch offers a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, similar to the Black Lotus switch.
Considering all the available information, both the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer desirable subjective qualities. The Black Lotus switch is known for its silky smooth feel, reduced housing and stem wobble, and the unique light column feature. The Polaris Purple switch, on the other hand, features a big tactile bump for an exhilarating typing experience and is described as having a snappy sound profile. Despite the differences in sound profile, both switches offer a mild and polished feel with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Therefore, if a user prefers a quieter experience, the Black Lotus switch would be a suitable choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced sound may prefer the Polaris Purple switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy linear switch that offers a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, then the Durock Black Lotus is the perfect choice for you. With its substantial 55g actuation weight and reduced housing and stem wobble, these switches provide a maximum typing pleasure. Additionally, the unique light column feature adds in-switch lighting and is fully removable, giving you added customization options.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch that offers an exhilarating tactile typing experience, then the SP-Star Polaris Purple is the switch for you. The big tactile bump on these switches provides a snappy sound profile, enhancing your typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus offers a sound profile that is not explicitly described, so you can expect a neutral sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for beginners or advanced users, both at home or work.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus offers a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish. These switches minimize resistance and provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Similarly, the Polaris Purple offers a mild and polished typing experience, delivering smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches will depend on your preferences. If you prioritize a linear switch with a silky smooth feel and customizable lighting options, the Black Lotus is the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple is the switch for you. Consider your typing preferences and choose accordingly.
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