Bsun Hutt vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, a linear switch. The Hutt switch boasts a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, providing a snappy and invigorating typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches offer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Hutt switch is categorized as sharp and accented, the Polaris Gray switch is described as low-pitched and polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
49g
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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is achieved due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. However, while the Hutt uses nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Polaris Gray sticks with polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. This decision may impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing contributing more to the bottom-out sound and feel.
The choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. While nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile, polycarbonate maintains a sharper, crisper sound due to its stiffness. This difference between the Hutt and the Polaris Gray showcases how the housing material can have a noticeable impact on the auditory feedback of a switch. Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, the use of different materials for the bottom housing allows for distinct typing experiences.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the SP-Star Polaris Gray demonstrate how the choice of materials can influence the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and high-pitched sound profile, the Hutt's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Polaris Gray's consistent use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings. This distinction highlights the importance of considering the entire construction of a switch when aiming to achieve a specific typing experience. Whether sticking with one material or utilizing a combination, the housing choices in mechanical switches are crucial in determining the overall sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that the Hutt has a lighter touch overall. The Hutt requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 49 grams to bottom out, making it a light switch option. In contrast, the Polaris Gray has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. The Hutt would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer sessions without fatigue, while the Polaris Gray would be ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for keypress weight and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of popular travel distances, with the Hutt being on the shorter end and the Polaris Gray being closer to the traditional 4.0mm distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Hutt, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
The SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 Gray 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
The Bsun Hutt switch is known for its resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience that immerses the user in their typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound, creating a deep, rich, and satisfying tone with each keypress. While both switches offer different sound profiles, the Hutt's higher-pitched resonance contrasts with the Polaris Gray's bass-heavy and mellow tone, allowing users to choose based on their preferred auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Hutt switch is described as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented, offering a tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback and a strong tactile bump. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is noted for its mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Hutt switch's reactive and sharp tactile feedback differs from the Polaris Gray's approachable and polished feel, catering to users who prioritize different aspects of the typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with varied typing experiences to suit their preferences. While the Hutt switch emphasizes a resonant sound profile and sharp tactile feedback, the Polaris Gray switch focuses on a low-pitched thocky sound and a polished typing feel. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their desired auditory and tactile sensations for a customized typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you enjoy a distinctive typing experience with a prominent tactile bump and medium-heavy spring, along with a resonant and sharp sound profile, the Hutt switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing feel with a clean and clacky sound profile, along with a medium actuation force requirement and a thocky sound, the Polaris Gray switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what type of typing experience and sound profile you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
