Kailh Box Jade vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Box Jade is known for offering a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. Typists appreciate the crisp and invigorating clicks, as well as the crunchy tactile bumps that add extra feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to its big and satisfying tactile bump. This switch offers a snappy sound profile and is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities, offering different levels of tactility and sound profiles to suit your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.50 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. The Polaris Purple and the Box Jade share the same benefits in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches will deliver a clear and resonant sound when you let go of a key.

While the Box Jade has a nylon bottom housing, the Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. It absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Polaris Purple contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, so the Box Jade's nylon housing may provide a slightly different typing experience than the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing.

In summary, both the Kailh Box Jade and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share the benefits of having polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp and clear sound profile when letting go of a key. However, they differ in their bottom housing material, with the Box Jade featuring a nylon housing for a softer and fuller sound, while the Polaris Purple uses a polycarbonate housing for a sharper sound. Therefore, users can expect slight variations in the typing experience between these two switches, particularly in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are distinct differences. The Box Jade requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the exact actuation force for the Polaris Purple is unavailable. However, it is safe to assume that the Polaris Purple has a similar actuation force as it falls under the medium-heavy category with a bottom out force of 67 grams. In terms of weight, the Box Jade is lighter, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force, ensuring a comfortable keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is clear that the Box Jade has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the typical range of switch travel distances, with the Polaris Purple being closer to the more traditional 4.0 mm mark. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may prefer the Box Jade's shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press experience may opt for the Polaris Purple with its slightly longer travel distance. It is worth noting that both switches offer a noticeable tactile response, but the difference lies in the actual distance the switch travels. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference for either a snappier response or a more satisfying depth in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This sound profile is favored by those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, making it suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Box Jade switch offers an accented and invigorating typing experience. It is described as a medium tactile switch, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This creates an immersive typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch offers a mild and polished feel. It is designed to offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box Jade and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Box Jade switch is characterized by its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, as well as its accented and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch has a neutral sound profile and offers a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Box Jade switch may be suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and tactile experience, while the Polaris Purple switch may be preferred by those who prefer a more gentle and refined typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and a prominent amount of tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a crisp click sound and crunchy tactile bumps, giving you an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. Additionally, if you prefer switches with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, the Box Jade switches will be to your liking. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a more gentle typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches would be a better fit. These switches offer a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, providing an exhilarating typing experience. They have a mild feel and a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make the decision that best suits you.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more