Bsun Olive vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are distinct differences in their key characteristics. The Bsun Olive is renowned for its all-POM housings that produce a resonant, deep sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Olive switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Polaris Gray switch is labeled as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. When choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a tactile, satisfying feel with pronounced feedback, or a smooth, bouncy typing experience with a clean sound. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive and SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Olive's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While POM brings a pleasing sound profile, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant tone. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a suitable choice for switches with RGB lighting needs. Overall, the housing materials of these two switches play a significant role in determining their sound characteristics.
Despite their differences, both the Bsun Olive and SP-Star Polaris Gray share the commonality of utilizing their housing materials to enhance their sound profiles. While the Olive's POM housing creates a more subdued sound, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing leads to a more vibrant and defined tone. The material of the top housing particularly influences the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Understanding how each material affects the sound and feel of the switch can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences.
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Olive and SP-Star Polaris Gray ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The POM housing of the Olive offers a unique deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Gray provides a sharper and crisper tone. Whether one prefers a more subdued or vibrant sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. By understanding how the housing materials impact the sound profile of each switch, users can make a well-informed decision based on their desired typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of weight. In comparison, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. While the Olive is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, both switches require a relatively strong push to activate. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations, the Olive may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray may appeal to individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Olive's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Polaris Gray's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a more hearty key press feel. While both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, both will ultimately provide similar results in terms of functionality and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive switches are praised for their resonant and deep tones, creating a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer a clean and clacky sound profile that some users find appealing. The Olive switches deliver a low-pitched and thocky sound, providing a unique auditory sensation, while the Polaris Gray switches are described as having a neutral and thocky sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on the specific sound experience desired.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Olive switches are recognized for their accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, making each keypress more immersive and engaging. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches provide a milder and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth feel that is approachable to most users. The Olive switches are known for their pronounced tactility, firm actuation force, and sharp tactile bump, creating a tactile sensation that is both satisfying and reactive. Meanwhile, the Polaris Gray switches feature a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to their polished finish.
In conclusion, the Bsun Olive tactile switches and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Olive switches excel in providing a resonant and deep sound with pronounced tactile feedback, the Polaris Gray switches deliver a clean and clacky sound with a milder and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on whether you prefer a more tactile and invigorating typing experience with the Olive switches or a gentler and polished feel with the Polaris Gray switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a deep and resonant sound, pronounced tactile feedback, and a sharp bottom-out, the BSUN Olive switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your preference for sound and feel will determine which switch is the best fit for your typing experience.
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