Huano Grape Orange vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a pivotal role, particularly when comparing options like the Huano Grape Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Grape Orange is renowned for its feather-light 40g actuation force, offering an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience that is ideal for users who engage in long typing sessions. Its linear design facilitates a linear keypress without any tactile feedback, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity. In contrast, the Polaris Purple presents a different experience altogether, featuring a pronounced tactile bump that enhances the typing experience with each keystroke. Its snappy sound profile delivers satisfying audio feedback, which can be particularly rewarding for those who enjoy a more interactive and engaging typing session. While the Grape Orange excels in ease and speed, the Polaris Purple caters to those who appreciate a tactile sensation and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches showcase both similarities and differences that influence their sound profiles and overall feel. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is notable for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's stiffness as a plastic material, resulting in a more resonant output that pairs well with RGB lighting, given its translucency. Consequently, users seeking vibrant lighting effects will benefit similarly from both switch designs, as the polycarbonate top allows for excellent light diffusion and clarity, enhancing the aesthetic experience.

In stark contrast, the bottom housing materials differentiate the two switches significantly. The Huano Grape Orange utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a traditional choice known for its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This absorption contributes to a more muted acoustic character during key presses, resulting in a rounder sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple opts for a completely polycarbonate bottom housing, echoing the crisp and clear sound qualities found in its top counterpart. The use of polycarbonate in both housings of the Polaris Purple ensures a uniform sound character throughout the keystroke, producing consistently sharp and clear acoustic feedback.

Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials offers a nuanced keyboard experience. For the Grape Orange, the polycarbonate top's brightness will contrast with the nylon bottom’s depth, leading to a unique combination that users may enjoy for its varied acoustic response during typing. Conversely, the Polaris Purple's dual polycarbonate housing creates a cohesive sound profile, appealing to those who favor a consistent auditory response. Each switch caters to different preferences: one for users who appreciate a richer sound from a nylon base, and the other for those who desire uniformity and clarity. Thus, while the top housing of both switches may create similar resonances, the differing bottom materials will lead to distinct overall sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, where comfort and efficiency are prioritized. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's bottom out force is significantly heavier at 67 grams, although its actuation force is unknown. This suggests that the Polaris Purple could provide a more substantial typing experience, likely attracting users who prefer a firmer key press. As such, the Grape Orange is the lighter option, while the Polaris Purple falls into the medium-heavy category, catering to those who enjoy a more robust push feel when typing. If the actuation force for the Polaris Purple were to be provided, it would further clarify how similar or different the typing experiences of these two switches are.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance compared to the Grape Orange. For users who prefer faster response times, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Grape Orange might be more appealing, as shorter distances are generally favored by gamers for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Polaris Purple may offer a more substantial feel, appealing to those who appreciate deeper keystrokes. Thus, depending on individual preferences for responsiveness or tactile feedback, one switch may be more suitable than the other based on their distinct travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch offers an experience that is likely to be subtle and understated. While specific characteristics of the sound profile are not detailed, the lightness of the switch may result in a quieter typing experience, making it less likely to disturb others in a shared space. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch presents a neutral sound profile that balances well for various environments. This adaptability makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, ensuring that whether you’re typing at home or in a workplace, the sound remains consistently appropriate without being intrusive.

In terms of feel, the Grape Orange switch is renowned for its exceptionally light and effortless typing experience due to its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This gentleness allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue, making it an excellent choice for those who spend significant time on their keyboards. Conversely, the Polaris Purple switch features a prominent tactile bump, creating an exhilarating typing sensation that some users may find engaging. The mild nature of the Polaris Purple's feel means it is approachable for a wide range of users, while its polished characteristics ensure smooth key travel with minimal friction, providing a refined overall experience.

In conclusion, both the Huano Grape Orange and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange delivers lightness and minimal sound, making it great for prolonged use, while the Polaris Purple offers a more tactile experience paired with a neutral sound profile suitable for various settings. Users seeking a gentle yet engaging typing experience will find these options to provide enjoyable results; however, their distinct characteristics will appeal to different styles and environments.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch primarily comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you lean towards a light and effortless typing experience, especially for long durations, the Grape Orange is an ideal choice with its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams. This makes it particularly suitable for those who type extensively and prefer a smooth key travel without the burden of a heavier push. On the other hand, if you enjoy the sensation of a tactile bump that provides feedback with each keystroke, the Polaris Purple will enhance your typing experience with its more pronounced tactile characteristics and moderate 67-gram bottom out force. This switch, accompanied by a mild yet polished feel, offers a snappy response that many find exhilarating. Ultimately, if sound and feedback are priorities for your typing style—especially in settings where a tactile response may enhance engagement—the Polaris Purple is your go-to. Conversely, for a quieter, more fluid typing experience, especially in environments conducive to extended writing sessions, you can't go wrong with the Grape Orange. Your choice should reflect your unique needs, whether that’s the light touch and speed of a linear switch or the satisfying feedback of a tactile one.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more