Zuoce Lavender vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Zuoce Lavender and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The Zuoce Lavender switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend, and offers a crisp and clacky sound signature, making typing a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are favored by those who prefer a bouncy typing experience, with a clean and clacky sound profile. The Lavender switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', while the Polaris Gray switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities, appealing 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature POM top housing materials, which offer a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. This creates a more subtle typing experience that may be preferred by those looking for a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This can be appealing to users who enjoy a more defined and clear typing sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lavender and Polaris Gray feature POM and polycarbonate materials, respectively. The POM bottom housing of the Lavender contributes to the same pleasing sound profile found in the top housing, creating a consistent typing experience throughout the keyboard. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray enhances the sharper and crisper sound profile, ensuring that the sound and feel of the switches are cohesive and optimized for performance. This attention to detail in both top and bottom housing materials demonstrates a commitment to providing users with a high-quality typing experience.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how these elements can influence the sound and feel of the switches. With the Lavender and Polaris Gray, the bottom housing has a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the distinct qualities that POM and polycarbonate bring to the table, users can choose a keyboard that best aligns with their preferences for typing sound and feel. Ultimately, whether opting for the Lavender or Polaris Gray, users can expect a well-balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Lavender switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Polaris Gray switch's bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Lavender switch provides a medium-light typing experience overall, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Lavender switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the more substantial feel of the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Lavender switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Polaris Gray switch. The Lavender switch would be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress depth. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a distinct clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch produces a clean and clacky sound profile, with a low-pitched and thocky tone that is rich and deep. While the Lavender leans towards a crisper sound, the Polaris Gray offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a different auditory experience depending on your preference.
Moving on to feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch is characterized by an easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. The light actuation force provided by these switches makes typing less fatiguing during long typing sessions, enhancing overall typing efficiency. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a mild typing experience, falling into a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. With its polished finish, these switches provide smooth key travel and reduced friction, adding a refined touch to the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender excels in providing a crisp and clacky sound with an easy-to-press typing feel, the Polaris Gray delivers a low-pitched and thocky sound with a polished and mild typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound profile and typing feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Lavender and Polaris Gray switches will depend on whether you prioritize a sharp and clacky sound with easy key presses, or a bass-heavy thocky tone with a polished and mild typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing experience straight out of the box with a crisp and clacky sound profile, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing feel with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for typing feel and sound, so choose the switch that aligns best with your personal requirements.
Mentioned in this article
