Cherry Nixie vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry Nixie, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, also a linear switch. The Cherry Nixies are renowned for their substantial heft and textured typing experience, combining tradition with modern innovation through the use of updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches are favored for their bouncy typing feel and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Nixie is categorized as textured, thocky, and low-pitched, the Polaris Gray falls under low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to delve deeper into their specifics to determine which one would best suit your needs. However, let's explore further beyond generalities so you can make the best decision regarding the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the Cherry Nixie and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it is evident that they both use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Nixie features a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile because of the stiffer plastic. This contrast in housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switches, catering to different preferences based on sound preferences.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Cherry Nixie and the SP-Star Polaris Gray aim to provide a unique typing experience. While the Nixie's nylon housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing results in a more resonant and clear sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Polaris Gray allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and aesthetics, appealing to users with varying preferences in typing sensations.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry Nixie and the SP-Star Polaris Gray ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing sound and feel. The nylon housing of the Nixie creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Gray produces a sharper and crisper sound. Whether one prefers a softer, rounder sound or a clearer, more resonant sound will dictate which switch is more suitable. Additionally, the inclusion of RGB lighting compatibility with the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing adds a visual element to the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch. The Nixie requires 63.5 grams of force to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. In contrast, the Polaris Gray does not provide specific information on actuation force but requires 67 grams to bottom out, which falls in the medium-heavy range. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Polaris Gray may be more suitable as it requires less force to bottom out. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Cherry Nixie may be the preferred choice due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing these two switches, their travel distances are the same, so you can expect similar results when typing on either. This means that whether you choose the Cherry Nixie or the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, you can rely on a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, providing a familiar typing experience regardless of which one you choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch is best known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound with a bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch also offers a low-pitched and thocky sound, making it clean and clacky. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Nixie leaning towards a deeper tone while the Polaris Gray offers a more neutral sound suitable for various preferences.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch stands out for its textured typing experience, providing users with a noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a mild and polished feel, creating a gentle and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and sleek key travel. While the Nixie offers a more textured feel, the Polaris Gray provides a polished and refined sensation, catering to different preferences in typing feedback.
In conclusion, both the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Nixie delivers a deep and satisfying thocky sound with a textured typing experience, the Polaris Gray provides a clean and clacky low-pitched sound with a polished and mild feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound profile and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to achieve a satisfactory mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force and a textured typing feel with a thocky, low-pitched sound, the Cherry Nixie switch would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bouncy typing experience with a clean, clacky, low-pitched sound, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile.
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