HMX Gravel vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX Gravel and the SP-Star Polaris Purple reveals two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The HMX Gravel, celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, features a medium-light actuation force that offers a responsive and agile feel, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize a fluid and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple offers a pronounced tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more engaging and sound-centric typing experience. This switch’s snappy sound profile further enhances the tactile feedback, providing a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. While one may prefer the effortless glide of the Gravel for fast-paced typing or gaming, another might seek the tactile engagement of the Polaris Purple for focused writing or programming tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share a similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience when typing. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a resonant sound that accentuates the clarity of each keystroke. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their settings. With both switches employing this material for the top housing, users can expect a consistent and vibrant visual effect, paired with a distinctive auditory signature that aids in creating an engaging typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge significantly. The Gravel features a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple is equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing. This distinction profoundly affects the sound profile and feel of each switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, which provides a more rounded auditory experience when bottoming out. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple reinforces the sharper and more resonant sound characteristics established by its top housing, leading to a potentially more pronounced auditory feedback during both the actuation and release of the key.
The combination of these materials results in distinct sound profiles for the two switches. For the Gravel, the contrast between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom delivers a unique auditory experience—crisp when the key is released and full when bottomed out. In the case of the Polaris Purple, both the top and bottom housings being made of polycarbonate results in a consistent, bright sound throughout the keypress. Ultimately, these material choices dictate the tactile and auditory feedback experienced by the user, with the Gravel providing a blend of deeper resonance and brightness, while the Polaris Purple opts for a more uniform, crisp sound profile. Each switch's unique combination of materials will cater to different preferences within the keyboard enthusiast community.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gravel switch features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, although the specific actuation force is unknown. The heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Purple may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feeling when typing, potentially enhancing the tactile feedback experience. Overall, while the Gravel is the lighter option with a softer feel, the Polaris Purple provides a heavier and more tactile typing experience, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference regarding switch weight and feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Polaris Purple extends to 4 mm. As such, the HMX Gravel is the shorter of the two switches, making it more suitable for those who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. Meanwhile, the Polaris Purple, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced and deliberate actuation, reminiscent of traditional switch designs. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth in keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch remains somewhat ambiguous in its characteristics, but it is generally expected to provide a softer acoustic profile typical of linear switches that lack tactile or clicky features. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as having a snappy sound profile. This means that users can expect a clear and crisp auditory feedback upon actuation, which can enhance the typing experience and provide a satisfying confirmation with each keystroke.
Regarding feel, the HMX Gravel switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and refined typing sensation, which can be attributed to its medium-light actuation force that promotes a responsive typing experience. The Polaris Purple, on the other hand, features a distinctly tactile bump that is designed to provide an exhilarating tactile experience. While it also boasts a mild feel, making it approachable for a wide range of typists, its pronounced tactile feedback sets it apart from the smoothness of the Gravel. The Polaris Purple is further characterized by a polished finish, lending to reduced friction and a sleek key travel.
In summary, the HMX Gravel linear switch is ideal for those who prioritize smoothness and a lighter touch, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch will appeal to typists who enjoy a prominent tactile sensation and a snappy auditory feedback. While both switches serve different preferences, the Gravel's smooth operation contrasts with the tactile engagement and sound clarity offered by the Polaris Purple. Therefore, your choice should hinge on whether you seek a seamless, linear experience or a more interactive, tactile engagement while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smoother, lighter experience, especially for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, the Gravel switch would be your go-to option. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams and exceptional smoothness make it highly responsive and enjoyable for those who appreciate a refined typing feel. On the other hand, if you crave tactile feedback in your keystrokes, the Polaris Purple provides a satisfying punch with its medium-heavy force of 67 grams, eliciting a snappy response that enhances the typing experience. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump, making it suitable for those who enjoy a bit more resistance and engagement as they type. Therefore, assess what you value more in a switch: speed and smoothness or tactile sensation and feedback, as each option serves different preferences within the realm of mechanical keyboards.
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