Keygeek Keylin vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two standout options are the Keygeek Keylin and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its premium typing experience, characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted keystroke. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple offers a tactile experience with a pronounced bump that enhances each keystroke, providing a snappy sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy feedback with their typing. While the Keylin caters to users seeking fluidity and noise reduction, the Polaris Purple is perfect for those who appreciate the satisfying sensation of a tactile switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, we see a marked contrast in the types of plastics used for their respective top and bottom housings. The Keylin utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound profile that is deeper, fuller, and inherently softer. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple incorporates polycarbonate for both its housings. This material's inherent stiffness leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Therefore, users can expect the Keylin to provide a muted and robust typing experience, while the Polaris Purple offers a more vibrant and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetic considerations, the difference in materials also affects the transparency and lighting compatibility of the switches. The Keylin's nylon housing is typically opaque, which may not allow RGB lighting to shine through effectively, while the polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple is likely clear and translucently designed, showcasing any RGB effects. This translucence not only enhances the visual appeal but also enhances the overall experience for users who prioritize lighting as part of their keyboard setup. Therefore, while both switches provide a unique typing experience, the visual and auditory impressions they leave are shaped considerably by the choice of materials in their housings.
When the two switches are pressed, their distinct housing materials also influence feel and sound at different points during actuation. The nylon used in the Keylin’s housings absorbs sound upon bottoming out, making for an understated typing experience, while the polycarbonate housed Polaris Purple delivers a more pronounced sound. Additionally, when releasing the keys, the sharper polycarbonate sound profile of the Polaris Purple becomes quite apparent. Conversely, the Keylin retains a more subdued sound as the nylon dampens the release noise. Thus, despite their differing materials and resulting experiences, both switches can yield satisfying results in typing, depending on user preference for sound quality and responsiveness.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features a lightweight actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent option for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple lacks a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 67 grams, suggesting a more substantial resistance when pressing down fully. This heavier bottom out force contributes to a more tactile and firm typing experience, which some users may favor for the added feedback it provides. Overall, the Keylin is the lighter switch, while the Polaris Purple is the heavier choice, offering distinct experiences suited to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Keylin offers a more responsive feel, which may be appealing to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple, with its 4 mm travel, provides a deeper and more substantial feedback that some users may find preferable for typing or general use. While both switches have their merits, those who opt for the Keylin will experience a shorter travel distance, which can feel more abrupt, whereas the Polaris Purple delivers a longer travel distance for a fuller keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus key depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch offers rich acoustics, creating a premium auditory experience that many users find satisfying. This is in contrast to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, which has a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance suitable for various typing environments. The neutral sound profile of the Polaris makes it versatile enough for both casual and professional use, while the Keylin’s more resonant characteristics cater to those who appreciate a fuller sound during their typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch provides an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, making it ideal for users who favor seamless key travel without interruptions. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is designed with a substantial tactile bump, delivering a more exhilarating response that engages the typist. While the Polaris offers a more tactile and noticeable feedback through its bump, its mild and polished characteristics ensure that all users can enjoy a gentle typing experience without overwhelming sensations.
In summary, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch caters to those who value smoothness and rich acoustics, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple targets users who appreciate a pronounced tactile experience without excessive harshness in feedback or sound. Although they serve different preferences, both switches can appeal to a broad range of users based on sound and feel, allowing newcomers to choose based on their desired typing sensation and acoustic environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter switch that offers a smooth and rich acoustic experience, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming, the Keylin would be an excellent fit. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke with less resistance. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback of a pronounced bump and don't mind a bit more force behind each key press, the Polaris Purple may be the switch for you. With its heavier actuation force of 67 grams and a neutral sound profile, this switch offers an exhilarating tactile experience that can enhance your typing enjoyment, especially if you're someone who appreciates the reassuring feedback of a tactile switch. In conclusion, consider your typing style and comfort; the Keylin is suited for smoothness and lightness, while the Polaris Purple offers a robust tactile engagement, making either switch a fantastic choice within its respective niche.
Mentioned in this article
