Cherry MX Brown vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown 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 are the Cherry MX Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, both of which offer a tactile feedback experience. The MX Brown switches are best known for their subtlety, providing a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Categorized as being 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched', these switches offer a comfortable and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switches are known for their big tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', these switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback without being overly pronounced. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct differences in their sound profiles. The MX Brown's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound, attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Purple is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects.
Similarly, the differences in the bottom housings of the MX Brown and the Polaris Purple contribute to their respective sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Brown, being softer and more absorbent, enhances the deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out the keys. This softer nature creates a rounder and more muted sound experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple, being stiffer, results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound when bottoming out the keys. The clear distinction of the polycarbonate material lends itself to a more resonant and pronounced sound profile.
While the MX Brown and the Polaris Purple differ in their housing materials, their overall performance and use can result in similar outcomes. The nylon and polycarbonate material used in both switches reflect the classic choice for switch housings and provide distinct sound profiles. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of the MX Brown's nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate, both materials offer their unique characteristics for an enhanced typing or gaming experience. Whether it is the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key or the bottom housing influencing the sound upon bottoming out, the choice of material in each housing contributes to the overall performance of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that there are notable differences. The Cherry MX Brown switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium-light, while its bottom out force stands at 55 grams, also in the medium-light range. In contrast, the specific actuation force for the Polaris Purple switch is unknown, leaving its comparison unclear. However, the Polaris Purple's bottom out force is 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance.
Considering the weight of the switches is crucial as it impacts the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the MX Brown switch, as its actuation and bottom out forces are more featherlight compared to the Polaris Purple. This lighter weight allows for more prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. However, individuals who desire a more substantial and forceful keystroke may find satisfaction in the Polaris Purple switch, with its medium-heavy bottom out force. This added resistance adds a tactile push feel, allowing for a more substantial typing experience.
In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces vary between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch. While the MX Brown provides a medium-light touch, the Polaris Purple offers a medium-heavy bottom out force. For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the MX Brown switch is recommended, while the Polaris Purple switch caters to those who desire a heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar tactile experience for the user. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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
The Cherry MX Brown switches are best known for their subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. The sound profile of MX Browns can be described as bassy, with a deeper and richer tone during key presses. It has a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switches are known for their exhilarating tactile typing experience, featuring a big tactile bump. The sound profile of Polaris Purples is described as snappy. However, the exact sound of both switches can vary depending on factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, MX Browns are described as having a textured or scratchy feel, with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switches offer a mild typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. They are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the subjective qualities of the Cherry MX Brown and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches differ in terms of sound and feel. MX Browns offer a subtler typing experience with gentle tactility and bassy sound, while Polaris Purples provide a more exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics and can cater to different preferences. If you prefer a lighter and more subtle experience, MX Browns would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you desire a more tactile and exhilarating typing experience, the Polaris Purples would be a better fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a subtler typing experience and a lighter bottom out force, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be a solid choice. These switches provide a gentle tactility and a subdued audio feedback, making them ideal for those who prefer a more understated typing feel. Additionally, MX Browns have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, if you're seeking an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be a great option. These switches have a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, providing a more pronounced and exciting typing feel. Furthermore, the Polaris Purples have a neutral sound profile and a mild and polished feel, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel.
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