Durock Medium Tactile vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, both of which are tactile switches. The Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its unique flavor of tactility, offering a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback that is complemented by a jelly-like sound signature. In contrast, the Polaris Purple delivers an exhilarating typing experience with its big tactile bump and snappy sound profile. While both switches fall under the 'Mild' and 'Polished' categories, the Durock Medium Tactile is classified as 'Accented' and 'Stepped', while the SP-Star Polaris Purple is categorized as 'Neutral'. These general points highlight the distinguishing features of each switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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 Purple have similar polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in these housings provides a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for those who prioritize auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Medium Tactile features a nylon material, while the Polaris Purple has a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate. As a result, typing on the Medium Tactile with its nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, enhancing the clarity of the switch's bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the Medium Tactile and the Polaris Purple showcase similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, providing comparable sound profiles and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, their contrasting bottom housings offer distinct audio experiences. The Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing delivers a softer and fuller sound, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharpness and resonance of the switch. Depending on individual preferences for typing sound and feel, users can choose between these switches for a tailored typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, both switches have an unavailable actuation force. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown for both switches. However, in terms of the bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing sessions, which is beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, choosing switches with heavier forces is ideal.
In conclusion, while the actuation force remains unknown for both the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, the Durock Medium Tactile is lighter in terms of bottom out force at 65 grams, whereas the Polaris Purple is slightly heavier at 67 grams. Both switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience and offer options for individuals who prefer different levels of force in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, allowing for a satisfying tactile feedback when typing or gaming.
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 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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is best described as having a jelly-like sound signature. This means that it produces a unique and somewhat squishy sound when typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as having a snappy sound profile. This suggests that it produces a more crisp and responsive sound while typing. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as being accented, stepped, mild, and polished. This means that it offers a prominent yet balanced amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. The switch also provides a mild typing experience that is approachable and comfortable for most users. Its polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. Similarly, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is also described as mild and polished. This suggests that it offers a gentle and comfortable typing experience with a smooth and sleek finish.
In conclusion, both the Durock Medium Tactile and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Durock switch has a jelly-like sound signature and provides a balanced tactility with a mild and polished feel. The Polaris Purple switch, on the other hand, has a snappy sound profile and offers a mild and polished feel as well. While they may differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both switches are approachable and suitable for most users. Depending on your personal preferences and requirements, you can expect similar satisfactory results with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, making them suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier key press. The Durock Medium Tactile is known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. It also has a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple features a big tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating typing sensation and a snappy sound profile.
When it comes to sound, the Medium Tactile does not have a specific description provided. However, the Polaris Purple is described as having a neutral sound profile, which makes it suitable for different purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile is described as being accented, stepped, mild, and polished. This means that it provides a prominent yet balanced amount of tactility, with a mild and polished finish for a smooth typing experience. The Polaris Purple, on the other hand, is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches will come down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple would be the way to go. Consider factors such as your typing speed, the type of work you do, and your overall typing experience to make an informed decision.
Mentioned in this article
