Durock Light Tactile vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Light Tactile and SP-Star Polaris Gray are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a refreshing change from the typically sharper tactile switches available in the market. With each keystroke, users can expect an angelic tactility and a satisfying jelly-like sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a livelier feel. Additionally, the sound profile of the Polaris Gray switches is clean and clacky, further enhancing the typing experience. Both switches fall under the mild and polished categories, providing a smooth and satisfying keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Gray housing materials have some similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing and plan to use RGB lighting, both the Light Tactile and Polaris Gray can provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the materials differ. The Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing. This means that the sound and feel of bottoming out a key will be influenced more by the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing and the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing, respectively.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Gray display similarities in terms of the polycarbonate top housing. However, the difference in materials for the bottom housing creates distinct sound profiles. So, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound, the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing would be more suitable. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a sharper and crisper sound, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing would be a better choice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams, providing a medium-heavy resistance for triggering keystrokes. In contrast, the actuation force of the Polaris Gray switch is unavailable, making it difficult to determine its specific resistance. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy as well.
Considering the weight aspect, some individuals prefer lighter switches to allow for extended typing durations, making them suitable for work environments or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces to provide a stronger push feel.
In terms of weight, the Light Tactile switch can be considered lighter due to its known actuation force of 52 grams. While the actuation force of the Polaris Gray switch is unknown, both switches share an equal bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a similar typing experience in that regard. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances for the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch are both 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback and are ideal for users who prefer a shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a gentle and smooth sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile. These switches are described as having a low-pitched sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Light Tactile switch can be considered neutral in terms of sound, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. Similarly, the Polaris Gray switch is also described as neutral in sound profile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, if you prefer a gentle and smooth sound, both of these switches can provide similar results.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Light Tactile and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that the tactile feedback and actuation force required are not overly pronounced, resulting in a more approachable and comfortable typing experience. Both switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing feel. The reduced friction and smooth key travel provided by these switches ensures a sleek typing experience. Therefore, whether you choose the Light Tactile or Polaris Gray switch, you can expect a gentle and smoothly polished feel while typing.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile switch provides an angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy and clacky sound profile with a low-pitched tone. Both switches offer a mild typing experience with a polished feel, resulting in a comfortable and smooth typing experience. If you prefer a gentler sound and feel, the Light Tactile switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you prefer a bouncier and clackier sound with a low-pitched tone, the Polaris Gray switch would be a better choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a gentle and jelly-like tactile experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying level of resistance without being too heavy. The Light Tactile switch is best suited for those who prefer a more gentle typing experience and a neutral sound profile.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a low-pitched and satisfying "thocky" sound, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be a great option. It also has a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a similar level of resistance as the Light Tactile switch. The Polaris Gray switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a low-pitched sound profile.
Overall, both switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced typist, these switches are suitable for use at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch depends on your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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