Huano Elf vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the SP-Star Polaris Purple each offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Huano Elf, a linear switch, is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep, satisfying sound signature coupled with a medium-light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate smooth key presses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple stands out as a tactile switch, providing a pronounced tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating typing experience alongside a snappy sound profile, ideal for typists who thrive on tactile feedback for every keystroke. While the Elf may cater to users seeking a quieter and more fluid typing experience, the Polaris Purple appeals to those who revel in a pronounced tactile sensation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches, it becomes apparent that the differences in their top housings significantly contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Huano Elf utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing, which is noted for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a pleasantly tactile experience, bolstered by its exceptionally strong wear resistance—14 times greater than POM—and superior shock resistance. In contrast, the Polaris Purple employs polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This distinct material choice not only enhances the auditory experience but also makes the housing suitable for RGB lighting effects, which is made evident through its aesthetic qualities. Ultimately, while both materials are robust, the Elf’s POK is positioned for smooth operation and durability, whereas the Polaris Purple is geared towards a higher-pitched acoustic performance.
The bottom housings of the Huano Elf and SP-Star Polaris Purple also illustrate a notable contrast in materials and their resulting sound characteristics. The Elf is constructed using nylon, a traditional switch housing material that is softer and more absorbent. This quality results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that adds a warm, rounded element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple features polycarbonate as its bottom housing material, which again contributes to a sharper and crisper auditory feedback. The difference in material types between the two switches indicates that the Huano Elf's sound will lean towards a more muted, nuanced auditory experience, while the Polaris Purple will emphasize brighter tones, leading to an overall more vibrant sound.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials used in both the top and bottom housings of the Huano Elf and SP-Star Polaris Purple contributes to the unique characteristics of each switch. While the Elf’s choice of POK and nylon provides a balanced experience through smooth action and rich sound, the Polaris Purple garners attention with its clear and resonant acoustic properties owing to the use of polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings. If one were to switch housings, similar acoustic results could potentially be achieved, but the overall typing experience would vary significantly due to the distinct tactile properties and sound absorption capabilities of the chosen materials. In summary, the contrasts in housing materials lead to diverse sensory experiences, showcasing how material selection profoundly influences sound and tactile response in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Elf has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, though its actuation force remains unspecified. This suggests that the Polaris Purple may require more force overall, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who appreciate a firmer push. While the actuation force of the Polaris Purple is unknown, the difference in the bottom out force indicates a heavier overall feel compared to the lighter Elf switch. If both switches had the same actuation force, users would achieve a similar typing experience in terms of keystroke initiation, but the Elf's clearly lighter feel may be more comfortable over extended use.
Travel distance
The Huano Elf linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Elf switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may provide gamers with the faster response times they prefer due to its more immediate activation. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's 4 mm distance aligns with the more traditional switch feel, offering a deeper, more substantial feedback that some users might find more satisfying during typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're seeking a quicker response, the Elf would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience would likely favor the Polaris Purple.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Elf linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, the Elf is known for its deep sound signature that is enhanced by its POK top housing, providing a rich auditory experience. This deep sound can contribute to an immersive typing ambiance. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch offers a neutral sound profile that is snappy, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The combination of the Polaris Purple's snappy sound and the Elf's deep resonance results in unique yet somewhat complementary auditory experiences, appealing to users with different preferences when it comes to typing acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Elf switch is characterized by its medium-light actuation force, designed for a satisfying typing experience. This makes the Elf feel approachable and enjoyable without being overly heavy. In contrast, the Polaris Purple features a prominent tactile bump that provides an exhilarating tactile experience. It also boasts a mild character, making it gentle and approachable for users who may be new to mechanical keyboards. Both switches, however, create a different sensation: the Elf’s linear smoothness contrasts with the Polaris Purple's pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to diverse typing preferences, from those who favor a smooth glide to those who appreciate a tactile response.
In conclusion, the Huano Elf linear switch provides a deep, resonant sound and a medium-light feel that lends itself to a satisfying typing experience, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch delivers a snappy sound profile and a more tactile, engaging feel. While both switches cater to different preferences, they can each provide an enjoyable typing experience based on user inclination. If users find themselves drawn to either switch, they can customize their typing experience further through the choice of keyboard and keycaps, allowing for a broader spectrum of tactile and auditory interactions.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a smooth, linear switch that provides a light feel and enhances acoustic properties, the Elf switch is a great choice. Its deep sound signature can create an enjoyable auditory experience, perfect for both leisurely typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate the tactile feedback that comes with a pronounced bump and a slightly heavier actuation force, the Polaris Purple switch will likely serve you better. The snappy sound profile and mild tactile sensation offer an exhilarating typing experience that could enhance your productivity, making it suitable for both casual and professional environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or tactile feedback and a heftier feel.
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