Durock Medium Tactile vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Gray. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Medium Tactile is widely appreciated for its distinctive tactile feedback and a jelly-like sound signature. This switch falls into the categories of 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is favored by those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. It is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their merits, making it crucial to delve deeper into their nuances to determine which one best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Gray share similar top housing materials, as both switches utilize polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it particularly useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either switch.
However, the switches differ in their choice of bottom housing materials. The Medium Tactile employs a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on the Medium Tactile, with its nylon bottom housing, will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings of a switch are split between the two materials. When pressing down on both the Medium Tactile and the Polaris Gray, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we find that their actuation forces are both unavailable. However, the Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Although we don't have specific values for actuation forces, the fact that both switches are categorized as medium-heavy suggests that they may share a similar actuation force as well.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter switch would find it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. It provides a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer switches with heavier forces. This preference allows for a stronger push feel while typing.
In summary, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches have similar bottom out forces, falling within the medium-heavy range. While their actuation forces are not specified, it can be assumed that they are comparable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would mainly depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. However, the specific sound descriptor for the Medium Tactile switch is not provided. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as having a clean and clacky sound profile. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is also described as thocky, meaning it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, while the Durock Medium Tactile comes with a jelly-like sound signature, the SP-Star Polaris Gray offers a clean and clacky sound coupled with a low-pitched and thocky profile. Depending on personal preference, both switches can provide satisfying auditory experiences.
Moving on to the feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. An accented switch refers to a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. This means it strikes a balance between tactility and smoothness. Additionally, the stepped characteristic of the Medium Tactile switch indicates that it offers a mild tactile feel with discernible pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds an extra level of feedback during keystrokes. The switch is also categorized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Lastly, the polished attribute suggests that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel due to materials used or factory lubing.
Similarly, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch shares the mild and polished feel characteristics with the Medium Tactile switch. This means it also offers a gentle typing experience with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering the available information, both switches share several qualities in terms of feel. They both offer a mild and polished typing experience, making them approachable and suitable for most users. However, since the specific descriptors for the sound and feel of the Medium Tactile switch are unknown, it is impossible to make a direct comparison in those aspects. Nevertheless, based on the provided information, it is safe to say that both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit with potential differences in sound profiles. Ultimately, the final choice would depend on individual preferences and typing preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it falls within the medium-heavy range as well. Both switches have their unique characteristics and cater to different preferences. The Medium Tactile is accented, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, while the Polaris Gray is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience. Both switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a tactile switch with balanced tactility or a linear switch with a bouncy typing experience.
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