Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and SP-Star Polaris Gray are two popular options worth considering. The MX Speed Silver is renowned for its lightning-fast response time, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed and precision. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches offer a slightly different typing experience, with a bouncy feel and clean, clacky sound profile that appeals to those seeking a more tactile typing experience. While both switches boast their unique qualities such as the MX Speed Silver's textured feel and the Polaris Gray's polished design, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and usage. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, whereas the Polaris Gray incorporates polycarbonate for both components. The MX Speed Silver's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer properties, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches featuring RGB lighting.
The utilization of nylon in the MX Speed Silver's housing, whether it be the top or bottom, contributes to a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon enhances sound absorption, creating a more muted and rounded sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing, whether in the top or bottom, brings a sharper and crisper sound profile that is more clear and resonant. The stiffer properties of polycarbonate provide a distinct typing experience with a higher-pitched sound output, particularly beneficial for users seeking a more defined acoustic response.
When considering how the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the two components. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. In the case of the MX Speed Silver and Polaris Gray, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom contributes to the overall acoustic experience, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the crisper and sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences in terms of weight. The MX Speed Silver has a light actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. Interestingly, the bottom out force for this switch is unknown, so it is difficult to determine how much force is needed to press all the way down. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch does not have a documented actuation force but has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. The MX Speed Silver is lighter and more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Polaris Gray offers a heavier push feel for those who prefer a more solid typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The MX Speed Silver offers a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the keys. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, with the MX Speed Silver being shorter and the Polaris Gray being longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, which can be beneficial for gaming scenarios where auditory feedback is crucial. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch also offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a clean and clacky typing experience that is suitable for various environments. Both switches offer a pleasant sound experience, but the MX Speed Silver may provide a slightly deeper tone compared to the Polaris Gray.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as having a textured feel, which can enhance tactile feedback but may not be preferred by all users due to the noticeable friction. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Polaris Gray switch strikes a balance between gentle actuation and smooth key travel, making it suitable for a wide range of users seeking a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Speed Silver excels in providing a quick and responsive typing experience, ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed, the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy and comfortable typing feel that can cater to a broader audience. Depending on personal preference and intended use, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the MX Speed Silver offering a quicker response time and the Polaris Gray ensuring a smoother and more refined feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing speed requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a gamer looking for the ultimate in speedy response time, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its low spring resistance and linear action make it perfect for quick inputs and rapid movements in-game. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys a bouncy typing experience and prefers a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and characteristics like a low-pitched sound and a polished feel, the Polaris Gray switch offers a comfortable and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your specific needs and preferences when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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