Bsun Hutt vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Hutt and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both offer tactile experiences that can enhance your typing or gaming performance. The Bsun Hutt features a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, providing a distinct and enjoyable typing experience characterized by a balanced sound profile. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple offers a big tactile bump for an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the Hutt switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Accented', and 'Resonant', the Polaris Purple is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may appeal 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
The Bsun Hutt and SP-Star Polaris Purple both use polycarbonate for their top housing materials, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for the switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for their top housing, the sound profile may still differ slightly due to other factors such as stem design or contact mechanisms.
In contrast, the Bsun Hutt utilizes nylon for its bottom housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple maintains a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when pressed down.
Overall, while both the Bsun Hutt and SP-Star Polaris Purple share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, their choice of materials for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound and feel. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch can influence the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Understanding these nuances can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Hutt is 49 grams, while the Polaris Purple has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Hutt requires less force to trigger a keystroke but offers a slightly heavier typing experience when bottoming out, while the Polaris Purple provides a more substantial typing experience overall. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Hutt for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Purple for a more pronounced tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hutt. In general, a 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.0mm travel distance is considered shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so they may lean towards the Hutt switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Polaris Purple with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Hutt switch offers a resonant and clean sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience for the typist. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch has a neutral sound profile that is snappy, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Hutt switch is known for its snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented tactile feedback, creating a lively typing sensation. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a milder and polished typing experience, with gentle characteristics and smooth key travel for a comfortable feel. Depending on individual preferences, some users may prefer the pronounced feedback of the Hutt switch, while others may enjoy the smoother feel of the Polaris Purple switch.
In conclusion, the Bsun Hutt and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a more resonant and intense typing experience with the Hutt switch or a neutral and smoother feel with the Polaris Purple switch, both switches provide an enjoyable and distinctive typing experience. Keep in mind that personal preference, typing style, and the overall keyboard setup will ultimately determine which switch is the best fit for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a balanced sound profile with a sharp tactile bump, then the Hutt switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy, polished typing experience with a big tactile bump, then the Polaris Purple switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value the most.
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