Everglide Oreo vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many options available to cater to individual preferences. Two switches that stand out in this regard are the Everglide Oreo and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, both of which are tactile switches. The Everglide Oreo is best known for its delightful combination of a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This switch strikes the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience, making it a desirable choice for those who value tactile feedback and enjoy a medium-light tactility. Additionally, the Oreo offers a subtle and mellow sound profile, perfect for those who prefer quieter typing experiences. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is renowned for its significant tactile bump, providing an exhilarating and pronounced tactile typing experience. This switch offers a snappy sound profile, adding an element of satisfaction with each keystroke. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Polaris Purple is an excellent option for those seeking a tactile switch with a slightly more aggressive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and SP-Star Polaris Purple both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and create visually appealing effects.
Despite these similarities, it's worth noting that the Oreo and Polaris Purple may differ in their specific design and construction of the housings. While the qualities of polycarbonate will be present in both the top and bottom housings, the impact on the sound and feel may vary depending on the switch. The bottom housing tends to have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when the key is released.
Overall, the housing materials of the Everglide Oreo and SP-Star Polaris Purple contribute to their distinct sound profiles and aesthetically pleasing designs. Both switches offer the benefits of using polycarbonate, such as a sharp and crisp sound, clear resonance, and compatibility with RGB lighting. These properties make them suitable options for keyboards that prioritize sound quality and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is generally considered to be medium-light, while the Polaris Purple's actuation force is unfortunately not available. However, the Oreo's bottom out force is 55 grams, which again falls into the medium-light category. In contrast, the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Oreo more suitable as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work and extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and forceful typing feel might be inclined towards the Polaris Purple, with its heavier bottom out force.
Although the specific actuation force of the Polaris Purple remains unknown, it can be inferred that it is likely heavier than the Oreo due to its higher bottom out force. However, both switches provide tactile feedback, indicating when a keystroke has been successfully registered. Therefore, despite the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, both switches should deliver similar results in terms of providing a tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. It provides a medium light tactility that strikes a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. When typing on the Oreo switches, users can expect a subtle and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is known for its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple switches is described as snappy.
Based on the available information, the Oreo switches have a chirpy sound profile, giving them a unique acoustic signature. In comparison, the Polaris Purple switches have a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches are suitable for various purposes, whether the user is a beginner or advanced and whether they are used at home or in a work environment. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Oreo switches are described as accented and stepped. They provide a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The stepped characteristic means that users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switches offer a mild typing experience, with a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish that provides a sleek typing experience. Users can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel with the Polaris Purple switches.
In conclusion, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Oreo switches have a mellow sound profile and provide an accented and stepped tactile experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switches have a snappy sound profile and offer a gentle and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, users can choose between these two switches accordingly.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying keystroke, the Everglide Oreo switches are an excellent choice. These switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo switches strike a perfect balance between tactile feedback and a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, these switches have a subtle, mellow sound profile that adds to the overall enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a exhilarating tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches are a great option. These switches have a big tactile bump that provides a thrilling feel when typing. Furthermore, the Polaris Purple switches have a snappy sound profile that adds to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Oreo and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches depends on your preferred bottom out force, tactile experience, and sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that will enhance your typing experience.
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