Outemu Black vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. The Outemu Black is best known for its smooth linear feel, making it a popular choice for gamers and fast typists. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are favored for their bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Black switch offers a straightforward linear feel, the Polaris Gray switch provides a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. 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
65g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Black and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the main difference lies in their bottom housing material. The Black switch uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Outemu Black and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches play a crucial role. The combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing in the Black switch results in a distinctive typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the softer nylon bottom housing contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall tactile feedback. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, adding to the overall acoustics of the switch. In contrast, the Polaris Gray switch utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, making it consistent in sound profile throughout.
Overall, while both the Outemu Black and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their differences in bottom housing material lead to varying sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Black switch offers a unique typing experience with its combination of a stiffer polycarbonate top housing and softer nylon bottom housing, resulting in a mix of sharp and deep sound qualities. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch maintains a consistent sound profile with its polycarbonate housing throughout, providing a sharp and resonant sound across all keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which is listed as None grams. However, the bottom out force of the Black switch is even heavier at 82 grams, while the Polaris Gray switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Outemu Black switch will require more force to start a keystroke and to press all the way down compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Polaris Gray switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on keys using either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key travel and tactile feedback when using either switch. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance, providing a consistent typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Black linear switch is known for providing a sound profile that is generally not distinctive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is praised for its low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound characteristics. The Polaris Gray switches offer a clean and clacky typing experience, making them a favorable choice for those who enjoy a bouncy feel while typing. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Black linear switch's specific qualities are not defined. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. A mild switch provides a gentler typing sensation compared to more pronounced switches, making it approachable to a wide range of users. Additionally, a polished switch is characterized by a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities contribute to a sleek typing experience enjoyed by many users.
In conclusion, when comparing the Outemu Black linear switch to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we see that they offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black switch provides a more neutral sound profile, while the Polaris Gray switch stands out for its low-pitched and thocky sound characteristics. In terms of feel, the Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, making it a popular choice for users seeking a comfortable and smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with both options providing a satisfactory typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who prefers a heavier bottom out force and a linear switch with no specific standout feature, the Outemu Black switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and appreciate a bouncy typing experience with clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch would be a great option. Additionally, if you prefer low-pitched, thocky switches with a mild and polished feel, the Polaris Gray would be a better fit for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and sound preferences.
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