Kailh Box Jade vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray

Overview

Are you in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch to enhance your typing experience? Look no further than the Kailh Box Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches. The Box Jades are renowned for their medium-heavy typing experience, characterized by a satisfying clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on these switches an absolute pleasure. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches offer a bouncy typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a different feel. They produce a clean and clacky sound profile, providing a unique sensation with each keystroke. Both switches have their individual merits, catering to different preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the most informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$5.50 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Box Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similar qualities such as a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users who plan on using RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing aesthetic.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Box Jade features a nylon material while the Polaris Gray opts for polycarbonate. This difference in housing materials leads to varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Box Jade elicits a deeper and fuller sound, creating a duller and rounder overall auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray contributes to the sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, maintaining the clear and resonant qualities of the switch.

It is important to note that the impact of each housing material is felt differently depending on the action of the key press. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when the key is released. Therefore, users can expect subtle variations in the sound and typing experience depending on the specific combination of top and bottom housings used in each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch demonstrate both similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Box Jade switch is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium category. On the other hand, information regarding the actuation force of the Polaris Gray switch is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Box Jade.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to minimize fatigue during extended periods of typing or gaming, the Box Jade switch would be a suitable choice. The actuation force of 50 grams allows for easier triggering of keystrokes while the bottom out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying feel without overly straining the fingers. However, for individuals who prioritize a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Polaris Gray switch's heavier bottom out force of 67 grams would be more suitable. Although the actuation force is unknown, it is likely to be higher than that of the Box Jade, providing a stronger push and a more pronounced tactile feedback. In summary, while the Box Jade clicky switch offers a lighter typing experience, the Polaris Gray linear switch provides a heavier and more substantial feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we can see that the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Polaris Gray's 4 mm. The Box Jade falls into the category of a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a slightly longer travel distance, which some individuals may prefer for a more satisfying key press with a sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize a quicker response or a more deliberate keystroke. However, it is worth noting that both options provide distinct travel distances, allowing users to achieve the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is characterized by a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce sharp and crisp clicks, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The sound profile of this switch is described as clean and clacky, providing a deep and satisfying "thock" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience. It provides a medium level of tactility, neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it suitable for users who desire a prominent amount of feedback. The moderate to firm actuation force, combined with a snappy and reactive feel, creates an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It provides a gentle typing feel, approachable to most users, with a safe middle-ground balance of qualities. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek overall feel.

Considering all the available information, the Box Jade switch is best suited for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and notable tactility. It offers crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, creating a satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is ideal for users who prefer a bouncy typing experience. It offers a clean and clacky sound profile, low-pitched with a deep "thock" or "knock" sound. The feel of the switches differs as well, with the Box Jade providing an invigorating and accented typing experience, while the Polaris Gray offers a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on the specific preferences and typing style of the user.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. You will enjoy the crisp and satisfying clicks as well as the crunchy tactile bumps when typing on these switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are the ideal option. These switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use at home or work. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switches have a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference in terms of the desired typing experience, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

$5.50 per 10

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SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more