Outemu Dustproof Green vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Green and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Green and the SP-Star Polaris Gray offer unique typing experiences. The Dustproof Green is a clicky switch, known for its precise actuation and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is a linear switch loved for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Dustproof Green is favored for its clicky feel, the Polaris Gray stands out for its low-pitched, neutral sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
80g
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 Dustproof Green and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. However, the Dustproof Green differs from the Polaris Gray in terms of their bottom housings, with the Dustproof Green featuring a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. In contrast, the Polaris Gray maintains consistency with its polycarbonate material for the bottom housing, contributing to a more clear and resonant sound overall.
While the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Polaris Gray provides a consistent sound profile throughout the key press, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Dustproof Green offers a unique tactile experience. The switch's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that complements the sharper sound generated by the polycarbonate top housing. This balance of materials creates a more dynamic typing experience, with distinct characteristics present at different points during the keystroke.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing is more influential in the sound produced upon key release. With this in mind, users can expect a slightly different auditory experience when typing on the Dustproof Green compared to the Polaris Gray, even though they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference, with the Dustproof Green offering a combination of softer and stiffer materials for a nuanced typing experience, while the Polaris Gray provides a consistent and crisp sound profile throughout.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Polaris Gray has a lighter bottom out force of 67 grams while the Dustproof Green has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that while the Dustproof Green requires more force to trigger a keystroke, it also provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their own advantages based on individual preferences, with the Dustproof Green being heavier overall, and the Polaris Gray being lighter in terms of bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear 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 experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Their travel distances being equal, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key press depth. Whether you prefer the clicky feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green or the smooth linear feel of the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both switches offer a consistent travel distance that provides a satisfying typing experience.
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 Dustproof Green 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 the sound profile, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch is known for its crisp and tactile click sound that provides an auditory confirmation of each keypress. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is praised for its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and more satisfying tone when pressed. Both switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound, with the Dustproof Green being more clicky and the Polaris Gray being more thocky, providing users with different auditory experiences based on their preference.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch is known for its tactile bump and actuation force, offering a responsive typing experience. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Polaris Gray linear switch is not available. However, considering its description as a "bouncy typing experience," it can be inferred that the Polaris Gray switch may provide a softer and more cushioned feel compared to the tactile bump of the Dustproof Green switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct sound and potentially different feel experiences to users. While the Dustproof Green is known for its clicky and tactile feedback, the Polaris Gray provides a thocky and potentially softer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for sound and feel, ensuring that users can tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to suit their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is important to consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a heavier keypress and are looking for a typing experience with a more audible click, the Dustproof Green may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy keypress with a bouncy typing feel and a clean, clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound, and the specific characteristics each switch offers.
Mentioned in this article
