Cherry MX Black vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you'll likely come across two popular options: the Cherry MX Black and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, is well-known for its smoothness thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. Typing on these switches offers a familiar deep sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff, the MX Black provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that offers an exhilarating typing experience. The big tactile bump of the Polaris Purple provides a satisfying sensation, while still maintaining a snappy sound profile. Classified as neutral, mild, and polished, this switch offers a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Black Linear

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$4.00 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Cherry MX Black and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches exhibit clear differences in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetics. The MX Black utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it a preferred choice for users planning to incorporate RGB lighting in their setup.

While the MX Black and Polaris Purple differ in their housing materials, they do share similarities in providing a satisfying typing experience. Both switches are known for eliciting deeper and fuller sound profiles, albeit through different mechanisms. The nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in the MX Black and Polaris Purple, respectively, contribute to a more enhanced overall typing sound. Furthermore, both switches cater to the preference of users who prioritize aesthetics, with the Polaris Purple's clear polycarbonate housing being particularly suitable for showcasing the vibrant RGB lighting effects.

The distinction between the top and bottom housings of these switches also affects their overall performance. With varying housing materials, the qualities offered by each material are separated between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the bottom housing heavily influences the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when the key is released. This division enables users to have a versatile and tailored typing experience, allowing for customization based on their preference for either the bottom-out sound and feel or the sound upon key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences. The MX Black switch has an actuation force of 60 grams, which means that it requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Polaris Purple switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, we can still analyze the bottom out force, which indicates the force required to fully press down the key. The MX Black switch has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it heavier compared to the Polaris Purple switch, which has a bottom out force of 67 grams, a medium-heavy level.

For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Polaris Purple switch may be a better choice as it has a potentially lower actuation force and a lighter bottom out force. This can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue might be a concern. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might find the MX Black switch preferable due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. The heavier forces can provide a satisfying and robust sensation during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.

Travel distance

The Cherry MX Black linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. 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. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying key press experience, ensuring smooth and precise typing or gaming sessions. Whether you choose the MX Black or the Polaris Purple, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its low-pitched profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This sound is further enhanced by Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, resulting in a textured smoothness. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate tone that is suitable for various purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff. The textured quality means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, providing a tactile sensation. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, making it a stiffer option.

On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as mild and polished. The mild feel of these switches offers a more gentle typing experience, suitable for users who prefer a less pronounced tactile bump. The polished characteristic indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Cherry MX Black switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offer different subjective qualities. The MX Black switch provides a deep sound profile, textured feel, and a higher amount of force required to actuate. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch delivers a snappy sound profile, a mild and polished feel, and a more approachable typing experience. If you are looking for a low-pitched, textured switch with a stiffer feel, the MX Black switch is the way to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a neutral sound profile, a mild and polished feel, and a more gentle typing experience, the Polaris Purple switch would be a suitable choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a heavy bottom out force and a classic textured smoothness, the Cherry MX Black would be the ideal choice for you. With its deep sound profile and Low-pitched sound description, typing on these switches is a familiar and satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is the way to go. The big tactile bump provides an exhilarating typing sensation, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switch offers a safe middle-ground feel with its mild and polished characteristics. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound. Both switches will serve you well, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Black Linear

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more