Cherry MX Red vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The MX Red is a classic linear switch from Cherry known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a softer touch. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Polaris Gray is known for its 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished' qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on 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
45g
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
In comparing the Cherry MX Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it is evident that the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. While the MX Red features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft and sound-absorbing nature, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffness and resonance. This contrast highlights how different housing materials can lead to distinct auditory experiences for the user.
Furthermore, the housing materials of the bottom housings also contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The MX Red's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, creates a deep and full sound profile, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. These differences in material composition demonstrate how variations in housing materials can impact the tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction of the switches when typing or gaming.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch can provide a unique typing experience. When the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each material are divided between the two parts of the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. Whether nylon or polycarbonate, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and SP-Star Polaris Gray showcase how material choices can influence the overall sound profile, typing experience, and aesthetic appeal of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we can see some distinct differences. The Cherry MX Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their advantages, with the MX Red offering a lighter touch and the Polaris Gray giving a firmer feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing pressure and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distances, it can be noted that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Cherry MX Red or the SP-Star Polaris Gray, you can expect to get comparable results when it comes to the tactile feel and overall travel distance of the switches. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both offer the same 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
The SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 Gray 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 Red switch offers a deep and satisfying "thocky" tone with a low-pitched sound profile that resonates with every key press. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch also provides a low-pitched and thocky sound profile that is clean and clacky, perfect for those seeking a bouncy typing experience. Whether you prefer the slightly heftier sound of the MX Red or the cleaner sound of the Polaris Gray, both switches provide a high-quality auditory experience that can enhance your typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its slightly textured feel, offering a tactile feedback that some users appreciate for its added friction during typing. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a mild and polished typing experience that is smooth and refined, reducing friction and allowing for a more gentle key travel. Whether you prefer the textured feel of the MX Red or the polished feel of the Polaris Gray, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Red and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red provides a deeper and slightly heavier typing experience with a textured feel, the Polaris Gray offers a cleaner and more polished sound profile with a mild and smooth typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and responsiveness from both switches, ensuring a satisfying typing experience no matter which one you choose.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red may be the right choice for you. This switch offers a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch may be more suited to your preferences. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and smooth, polished finish, the Polaris Gray switch provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound profile.
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