Outemu Blue vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer unique typing experiences. The Outemu Blue switch is known for its clicky sound and feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and satisfying typing feel, making it a preferred option for those who prioritize tactile feedback. The Polaris Purple also boasts a snappy sound profile that adds to the overall 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
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
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches share some similarities in that they both use polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. The use of polycarbonate also allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to make use of RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Blue switch uses nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials can lead to differences in typing feel and sound between the two switches.
On the one hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Blue creates a unique typing experience that is deeper and fuller in sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on the keyboard with these switches. In comparison, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the SP-Star Polaris Purple contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature. This difference in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing feel and sound of the switches, catering to different preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
While both the Outemu Blue and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, their differing bottom housing materials create distinct typing experiences. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities means that the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing material, with the nylon of the Blue switch offering a deeper sound compared to the polycarbonate of the Polaris Purple. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials showcases the various factors that contribute to the overall typing experience and sound of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it's clear that they have different weight considerations. The Outemu Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who enjoy a stronger typing experience. While the actuation force of the Polaris Purple is unknown, it can be assumed that it may be similar to the Outemu Blue, as both switches offer a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force for your typing needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users will experience a similar key press feel when using either switch, with neither switch being shorter or longer in terms of travel distance. As a result, individuals who prefer a consistent travel distance across different switches will find that both the Outemu Blue and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer a comparable typing experience in this regard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is often described as loud and clicky, providing a satisfying and distinctive sound with each key press. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is known for its snappy sound profile, offering a moderate level of noise that is not too distracting. Both switches will offer a different auditory experience, with the Blue switch being more characteristic of a traditional clicky switch while the Polaris Purple switch delivers a more subdued yet still satisfying sound.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Blue switch is often noted for its tactile feedback and clicky feel, offering a tactile bump and audible click with each key press. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as providing a big tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, along with a more polished feel due to its smooth and refined finish. The Polaris Purple switch offers a more gentle and approachable typing experience compared to the more pronounced characteristics of the Blue switch, making it a versatile option for different preferences.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches have their own unique qualities that make them suitable for various preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a loud and clicky typing experience, the Blue switch may be your best choice, while the Polaris Purple switch provides a more subdued yet still satisfying sound along with a polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Outemu Blue if you prioritize an intense clicking sound without any resistance in terms of bottom out force. On the other hand, choose the SP-Star Polaris Purple if you seek a medium-heavy bottom out force with a satisfying tactile bump that provides a smooth and polished typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel that is suitable for various typing environments, the Polaris Purple may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
