Outemu Blue vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a clicky switch like the Outemu Blue and a linear switch like the SP-Star Polaris Gray can greatly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its audible click and tactile bump, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray offers a smooth and silent typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more linear feel while typing. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This commonality means that they will both have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. Despite these similarities, the Outemu Blue differs from the SP-Star Polaris Gray in terms of its bottom housing material. The Blue features a nylon bottom housing, which adds a deeper and fuller sound profile to typing due to its softer nature and sound absorption qualities.
The contrasting bottom housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the SP-Star Polaris Gray lead to differences in the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Blue's nylon bottom housing contributes to a more muted and rounded sound profile, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper characteristics of the top housing material. This distinction highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and sound output of a switch. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, ensuring a consistent level of sharpness and clarity in sound production.
Ultimately, the division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch is crucial in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. With the Blue's nylon bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintaining a clear and resonant sound profile, users can expect distinct differences in how each switch performs. The impact of the top housing material is felt upon key release, adding to the complexity of sound generation in mechanical switches. By understanding the role of different housing materials, enthusiasts can fine-tune their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the bottom out force of the Blue switch is not specified. Those who prefer a light touch may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch for a longer typing session or gaming session, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray switch. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on the preference of the user.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience similar tactile feedback and key travel. The travel distance of both switches is relatively short compared to other switches available, providing quick and responsive keystrokes for the user. In this case, the travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is used.
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 Blue 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 Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and clicky sound, which is often described as satisfying and crisp. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched and clean sound profile that is more subdued and gentle compared to the Blue switch. The Polaris Gray switch is often favored by those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a subtle thocky sound. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue clicky switch provides a tactile and clicky typing experience with a noticeable bump and audible click. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a smooth and polished typing experience. These switches are known for their mild and gentle tactile feedback, making them comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. The Polaris Gray switch's polished finish and reduced friction contribute to a silky key travel that is satisfying for users seeking a refined typing experience.
Overall, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience with a satisfying click, the Outemu Blue switch may be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more quiet and smooth typing experience with a gentle thocky sound, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch would be a suitable option. Both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose based on your personal preferences for sound and feel. However, keep in mind that the sound and feel can also be influenced by the keyboard setup and keycap selection.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a light bottom out force and a loud sound profile, the Outemu Blue switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and smooth typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Keep in mind factors such as noise level, actuation force, and key feel when making your decision.
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