Cherry MX Orange vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Purple present two compelling options that cater to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Orange, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth actuation and consistent feel, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer seamless key presses without tactile feedback. Its recent reissue as MX2A enhances the beloved original design, providing a refined experience sought by many. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple boasts a distinct tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating typing experience, appealing to those who thrive on feedback during each keystroke. Its snappy sound profile adds to a more engaging interaction, which many users find satisfying for both gaming and typing tasks. While the MX Orange leans towards a fluid typing sensation, the Polaris Purple invites a more pronounced tactile engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches, a significant contrast emerges primarily due to the materials used. The Cherry MX Orange switches feature a top and bottom housing made from nylon, which provides a deep and full sound profile. This quality is a result of nylon's softer texture, allowing it to absorb sound waves effectively and produce a duller, rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switches are constructed with polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate's inherent stiffness generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a clearer and more resonant acoustics. This fundamental difference in material thus leads to distinct auditory experiences for users who favor one switch over the other.
In terms of aesthetics, the distinctions between these materials are even more pronounced. The nylon housing of the Cherry MX Orange is opaque and lacks translucence, which tends to limit the visual impact of RGB lighting. In contrast, the transparent nature of the polycarbonate used in the Polaris Purple makes it particularly advantageous for illuminated keyboards. This allows the user to showcase RGB effects more vividly and captures the visual appeal that many enthusiasts seek. A switch featuring a clear polycarbonate housing effectively highlights the RGB lighting capabilities, creating a more dynamic and engaging visual experience during late-night typing sessions or gaming marathons.
While the sound profiles of these two switches differ significantly, they both contribute uniquely to the user's typing experience. In switches where the top and bottom housings consist of different materials, the characteristics of each material impact the sound and feel during use. With the MX Orange, both housings being made of nylon means that every aspect of the typing experience elicits a cohesive, consistent sound. Conversely, the Polaris Purple, with its polycarbonate composition, provides an engaging auditory feedback that is generally sharper in tone. In summary, while the MX Orange yields a softer sound that promotes a more subdued ambiance, the Polaris Purple delivers clarity and resonance, contrasting the two experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Cherry MX Orange features an actuation force of 55 grams, making it a reasonably moderate option for users who prefer a balance between sensitivity and feedback. However, the bottom-out force for the MX Orange is unknown. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom-out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This indicates that while the Polaris offers more resistance at the bottom, the actuation force remains unspecified, leaving a gap in the comparison. In terms of weight preference, the Cherry MX Orange is the lighter option due to its known actuation force, which could appeal to those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, whereas the Polaris Purple will offer a more substantial feel, catering to users who desire a heavier switch. Overall, these forces create distinct typing experiences, suiting differing user preferences in weight and feedback.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far they travel from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. With both switches sharing the same travel distance, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of key press depth. As a result, whether using the MX Orange or the Polaris Purple, the key feel will maintain a consistent engagement point, allowing for fluid typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switch is known for its balanced sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being overly loud or too muted. This switch strikes a nice equilibrium that can appeal to both beginners and seasoned users alike. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch provides a snappy sound that complements its tactile nature, contributing to an engaging typing experience. Overall, both switches maintain a neutral sound profile that keeps them versatile for use at home or in the office, allowing users to enjoy a pleasant auditory feedback without being disruptive.
In terms of feel, the MX Orange switch is designed to deliver a seamless typing experience, although the specifics on its tactile feedback are not detailed. However, it's understood that this switch aims for a smooth operation. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch stands out with its pronounced tactile bump, which provides an exhilarating sensation during typing. This switch effectively balances a polished feel with a mild typing experience, making it easy to adapt for various users. The smooth key travel of the Polaris Purple ensures minimal friction, enhancing the overall tactile response that many enthusiasts gravitate toward, especially for those who enjoy a more defined feedback during typing.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Orange offers a well-rounded sound profile and likely smooth feel, the SP-Star Polaris Purple excels in delivering an engaging tactile experience paired with a snappy sound. Both switches cater to diverse user preferences, with the MX Orange providing a more balanced approach and the Polaris Purple offering a tactile punch that many find exhilarating. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, but either option ensures a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Orange linear switches and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you prefer a smooth and unassuming typing experience where you can fly through your keystrokes without any tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Orange would be an appropriate option for you. It’s ideal if you’re engaging in activities that require rapid input, like gaming, where every millisecond counts, or if you simply enjoy a minimalist feel in your typing. On the other hand, if you appreciate the satisfying sensation of tactile feedback and enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, the Polaris Purple is a fantastic choice. The pronounced tactile bump will help you feel when a key has been actuated, which can enhance your typing precision and overall enjoyment, especially for tasks involving writing or programming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits, how you intend to use your keyboard, and whether you lean towards a more fluid or tactile experience.
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