Kailh Box White vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in search of the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, but can't decide between the Kailh Box White and the SP-Star Polaris Gray? Well, look no further as we compare and contrast these two popular switches to help you make an informed decision. On one hand, the Box White is a clicky switch that offers maximum audio feedback. With a distinct "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility, it provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is a linear switch that offers a bouncy typing experience. It has a clean and clacky sound profile, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a smoother typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the SP-Star Polaris Gray have similar top housing materials as both utilize polycarbonate. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting customization, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. Both switches benefit from these qualities, providing a similar sound and visual experience for users.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box White differs from the Polaris Gray. The Box White incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, thanks to its relatively softer composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making the switch produce a clearer and more resonant sound. These differences in the bottom housing material affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down the keys.
In summary, the Kailh Box White and the SP-Star Polaris Gray share similar qualities in their top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. However, they differ in the bottom housing material, with the Box White using nylon for a deeper sound profile and the Polaris Gray utilizing polycarbonate for a clearer and sharper sound. These variations impact the sound and feel of typing, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a medium level of resistance to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the Box White is lighter in terms of bottom out force, requiring 60 grams of pressure to fully press the key. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison. These differences in weight can have an impact on typing preferences for individuals. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Kailh Box White more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, those seeking a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Polaris Gray, with its heavier forces providing a more tactile feedback. Although the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is unknown, it is possible that it could be similar to or even lighter than the Box White, in which case both switches would yield similar results. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the preference and requirements of the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing these two switches, it is clear that the Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be more traditional, providing a good balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Box White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel more abrupt. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Box White would be a suitable choice, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Polaris Gray. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to various preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 Gray for $5.00.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box White switch is best known for its resonant and high-pitched sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a clean and sharp sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The sound is immersive and provides maximum audio feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a clean and clacky sound when pressed. Unlike the Box White, the Polaris Gray does not have a crunchy sound associated with clicky switches. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, the Box White delivers a more resonant and higher-pitched sound, while the Polaris Gray offers a low-pitched and neutral tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White is described as having a polished feel. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of these switches make them desirable for those who prioritize a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray offers a mild and polished feel. The typing experience with these switches is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The qualities of the Polaris Gray switches fall into a safe and middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. Like the Box White, these switches also have a smooth and refined finish, which contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, with an immersive auditory experience and a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Meanwhile, the Polaris Gray delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound, offering a clean and clacky typing experience. In terms of feel, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Box White is known for its maximum audio feedback and accented tactility, the Polaris Gray provides a bouncy and mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel. If a user prefers a similar sound profile to the Box White but a linear switch, they may consider experimenting with other high-pitched linear switches to achieve similar results.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who desires maximum audio feedback and enjoys a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium actuation force that is suitable for most users. The sound profile of the Box White switch resonates with a high-pitched and crisp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Additionally, its polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience and a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch would be a great option for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a slightly heavier actuation force than the Box White switch. The Polaris Gray switch has a low-pitched sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This switch also has a polished finish, providing a sleek and smooth key travel experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize audio feedback and a tactile feel, the Box White switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you value a bouncy typing experience and a clean sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing style, preferences, and environment to make an informed decision on which switch would enhance your overall typing experience.
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