Gateron Melodic vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic 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 Gateron Melodic and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining a high level of smoothness. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is a tactile switch known for its big tactile bump that offers an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the Melodic switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Polaris Purple switch is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique strengths, so choosing between them will depend on your personal preference and typing style; 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and SP-Star Polaris Purple both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes both switches ideal for users who enjoy a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the Melodic's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience for users looking for a specific sound and feel.
Despite their similarities in top housing material, the Gateron Melodic and SP-Star Polaris Purple have distinct characteristics when it comes to their bottom housing. The Melodic's nylon bottom housing offers a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. In comparison, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, complementing the top housing material and enhancing the overall clarity of the switch. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how the choice of material can impact the sound and feel of the switch, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the composition of the housing materials in the Gateron Melodic and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound, the difference in bottom housing materials - nylon for the Melodic and polycarbonate for the Polaris Purple - adds unique characteristics to each switch. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the Melodic or a sharper and crisper sound with the Polaris Purple, understanding the impact of housing materials can help you make an informed choice based on your sound preferences and typing style.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both have an actuation force of None grams, meaning they require a very light touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Melodic is lighter at 60 grams, while the Polaris Purple is slightly heavier at 67 grams. This means that the Melodic switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of how far the keys move when pressed. Both switches offer a consistent level of feedback and actuation at this distance, making them equally suitable for individuals who prefer a standard key travel distance. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, as they both provide the same level of key movement.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and crisp, sharp clicks reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The snappiness of the Polaris Purple's sound profile adds a unique touch to the typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is likened to a buttery and invigorating sensation, offering smooth, fluid keystrokes and pronounced feedback with moderate to firm actuation force. Meanwhile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch provides a mild and polished feel, offering a gentler typing experience with a smooth, refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a unique tactile feedback, with the Melodic providing a more pronounced tactile bump while the Polaris Purple offers a more approachable tactile experience.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch excels in providing a resonant and crunchy sound profile with an invigorating and uniform feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, appealing to a broader range of users with its gentle typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a clicky switch with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a classic clicky sound, then the Gateron Melodic may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a big tactile bump for an exhilarating tactile typing experience and a snappy sound profile, then the Polaris Purple could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
