Gateron Glory Red vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple highlights the distinct preferences in keystroke feel and feedback among users. The Glory Red, classified as a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and minimal resistance, offering a satisfying travel distance that many typists find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prefer an uninterrupted flow without tactile bumps or audible clicks. In contrast, the Polaris Purple stands out with its pronounced tactile bump, delivering a thrilling tactile feedback that users often describe as snappy and engaging. This tactile sensation can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced confirmation with each keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on your personal preference for typing style and feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Glory Red switches feature a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deep and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon being a relatively soft plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple features a top housing made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that enhances sound clarity. The resulting sound profile is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper, making it well-suited for users who prioritize a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. The aesthetic quality of polycarbonate also plays an important role in its usage, as its translucency is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, further distinguishing it from the opaque nylon housing of the Glory Red.

Examining the bottom housings, the Gateron Glory Red again employs nylon, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing and further contributing to a cohesive sound experience. Its deep and rounded sound profile remains consistent throughout the switch operation. Conversely, the Polaris Purple's bottom housing, constructed from polycarbonate, maintains the switch's sharper sound profile. Thus, while the top and bottom housing materials differ in their contributions to sound, the overall result of using polycarbonate continues to be one of clarity and resonance. The choice of materials becomes crucial in determining the auditory characteristics experienced during a keystroke, with each switch tailoring its sound profile to the preference of the user.

Ultimately, the differences between the Gateron Glory Red and SP-Star Polaris Purple come down to the materials used in both the top and bottom housings, creating distinct sound profiles. Despite the differences in material composition, if a user has a preference for a specific sound experience, they might be inclined to explore how the various housing materials affect the overall sensations of typing. The nylon components of the Glory Red create an inherently softer and warmer typing experience, while the clear polycarbonate of the Polaris Purple may please users who appreciate sharper auditory signals. Combined, these attributes highlight the range of sound experiences available while typing, proving that even subtle changes in housing material can have significant impacts on a user's keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Gateron Glory Red features a known actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is not specified. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, but its actuation force is unknown. This suggests that if you're seeking a firmer resistance when typing, the Polaris Purple would be a better fit, although we cannot definitively compare their actuation forces. Overall, the Gateron Glory Red is the lighter option, while the Polaris Purple leans toward a heavier, more tactile sensation, catering to different preferences in typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it's clear that they differ. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Glory Red the shorter option, appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times due to its less abrupt feel. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Polaris Purple offers a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a tactile experience. Ultimately, if you prefer responsiveness, the Glory Red is the better choice, while the Polaris Purple caters to those who appreciate a more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch provides a smooth and muted acoustic profile, making it relatively quiet during typing. This can be advantageous in a shared workspace or during late-night gaming sessions where noise levels may be a concern. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a more pronounced auditory character, described as snappy. This sound profile adds an engaging element to each keypress, accentuating the tactile feedback that users experience. Additionally, it's important to note that the exact sound characteristics can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build, mounting style, and keycap materials, which means both switches could be tailored to create a desirable sound environment.

In terms of feel, the Glory Red switch stands out for its smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, allowing for an effortless typing experience that many find appealing. This linear characteristic means there are no tactile bumps or resistance throughout the keypress, resulting in fluid typing. Conversely, the Polaris Purple switch offers a more dynamic feel, attributed to its significant tactile bump. This bump provides a sense of physical feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. Furthermore, the Polaris Purple is described as mild and polished, which implies a refined and gentle typing experience marked by reduced friction and a sleek key travel response. The combination of tactile feedback and a polished feel in the Polaris makes it more engaging, especially for those who appreciate tactile switches.

In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Glory Red is ideal for those seeking a quieter, smoother linear typing experience, while the Polaris Purple caters to users who enjoy a snappier sound and a pronounced tactile sensation with a polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal typing preference—whether one leans towards the serene linearity of the Glory Red or the engaging tactility of the Polaris Purple. As both types have their own merits, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch depending on your desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter typing experience that prioritizes smooth keystrokes and an enjoyable travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red is an excellent option. Its smoothness can be particularly appealing for gaming or fast-paced typing, allowing for quick and effortless key presses. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile sensation with a noticeable bump during actuation, the Polaris Purple would be your go-to switch. The 67-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that many typists find comforting, making it ideal for those who appreciate feedback from their keystrokes, whether for work or casual typing. Additionally, the snappy sound profile and polished feel of the Polaris Purple make it approachable for all users, regardless of experience level. Ultimately, assess how you intend to use your keyboard—be it for gaming, typing, or both—and choose the switch that aligns best with your needs for comfort, feedback, and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more