Outemu Crystal vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider the experience and sound profile that best suits your typing needs. Two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch. The Crystal offers a unique typing experience with its fairly elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a smooth and linear sensation while typing. Additionally, the Crystal switch produces a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch provides an exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to its big tactile bump. These switches offer a snappy sound profile, adding a satisfying feedback to each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will enhance your typing experience.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Linear

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$3.40 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Crystal and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This means that they share similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through.

However, despite their similarities, it's important to note that if the top and bottom housings are different for a particular switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. So while the Crystal and Polaris Purple may have the same polycarbonate material for both top and bottom housings, the distribution of these qualities may vary depending on the switch model.

In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share the benefit of using polycarbonate in both their top and bottom housings. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhanced by the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Their translucent properties also make them ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. However, it's important to consider the distribution of these housing materials, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of material qualities, but the specific switch model will determine how these qualities are experienced.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Crystal switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch, while its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 55 grams. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch's actuation force is unavailable, so we do not have specific information on that aspect. However, its bottom out force is stated to be 67 grams, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience than the Crystal.

Considering the weight of the switches, some users may prefer a lighter option, such as the Crystal, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This can be particularly beneficial for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. Alternatively, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Polaris Purple would be a suitable choice due to its medium-heavy bottom out force.

While we lack information on the actuation force of the Polaris Purple, we can assume that it falls within a similar range as the Crystal, as both switches offer a comparable typing experience. However, it is important to note that the Polaris Purple is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, providing users with a more pronounced feedback when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on an individual's personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it determines the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. In the case of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that whether you choose the Crystal or the Polaris Purple, you can expect to have a similar experience in terms of the key travel distance. Therefore, there is no discernible difference between the two switches in terms of their travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Crystal linear switch is best known for its unique, linear typing experience. It has a fairly elastic feel, providing a medium-light weight sensation while typing. In terms of sound, the Crystal switch is described as chirpy, with a little squeak to them, and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The sound profile, however, is neutral overall. The Crystal switch also offers a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is best known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience. It features a big tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback to the typist. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple switch is described as snappy, although specifics about the sound characteristics are not provided. Like the Crystal switch, the Polaris Purple switch also offers a polished feel, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, the Crystal switch and the Polaris Purple switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Crystal switch offers a unique linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a polished feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch provides an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile and a polished feel. Both switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel due to their polished finishes.

While the sound profiles of these switches differ, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Therefore, it is possible to achieve similar sound results by selecting a compatible keyboard board and keycaps for either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch will come down to personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a unique linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a fairly elastic feel and produce a neutral sound profile when typing. They offer a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating feel while typing and a snappy sound profile. They also offer a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more