Outemu Cream Pink vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Cream Pink and the SP-Star Polaris Gray mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences to consider. The Cream Pink is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth keystrokes and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is also a linear switch, but stands out for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Cream Pink offers a traditional linear switch experience, the Polaris Gray provides a more tactile typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. 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
65g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, we can see that they both offer unique characteristics to the switches. The Cream Pink features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Cream Pink offers a duller and rounder sound, the Polaris Gray provides a clearer and resonant sound, especially beneficial for users planning to utilize RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Pink's nylon bottom housing and the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing share similar characteristics to their respective top housings. Nylon in the Cream Pink contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while polycarbonate in the Polaris Gray enhances a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, providing aesthetic appeal alongside its sound properties. Overall, the bottom housing of these switches plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when engaging with the keys.
When considering switches where the top and bottom housings differ, it's important to note that each housing material brings distinct qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound profile, tactile feedback, and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 and 67 grams respectively, making them both medium-heavy switches in terms of force required to fully press the key. This means that while the Cream Pink may provide a slightly lighter typing experience, both switches offer a similar level of resistance when fully pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Cream Pink and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that the typing experience will be consistent in terms of key press depth for both switches. Users can expect a smooth and uniform typing experience with either of these linear switches.
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 Cream Pink 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 Cream Pink linear switch is known for its quiet operation with a smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is recognized for its low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying tone with each key press. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Cream Pink's tactile feedback and actuation force are not explicitly mentioned. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. This means users can expect a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, offering a comfortable typing experience suitable for a wide range of users.
Overall, if you're looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more bouncy and satisfying typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch could be the ideal option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you'll get a satisfying typing experience no matter which one you choose.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you are looking for a slightly lighter bottom out force, you may prefer the Cream Pink with 65 grams compared to the Polaris Gray with 67 grams. Additionally, if you enjoy a bouncy typing experience with clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and are indifferent to sound profile, the Cream Pink could be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and desired experience.
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