Outemu Dustproof Green vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Green and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Dustproof Green and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer different experiences to suit various preferences. The Dustproof Green switch is lauded for its clicky feedback, making it a satisfying option for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is known for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a tactile typing experience that many find exhilarating. Additionally, the sound profile of the Polaris Purple is described as snappy, adding to the overall typing experience. Both switches fall under different categories - the Dustproof Green is in its own category, while the Polaris Purple is considered neutral, mild, and polished. 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
Overall, both the Outemu Dustproof Green and the SP-Star Polaris Purple feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic, which allows for more resonance and clarity in the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. While both switches have similar top housings, the Dustproof Green has a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound overall.
When it comes to the typing experience, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key, with the stiffness of polycarbonate contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by the combination of their housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their clear housings for a visually appealing look. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall appearance of the switch. While the Dustproof Green's nylon bottom housing provides a different sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches offer a combination of materials that contribute to a unique sound and feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the Dustproof Green and the Polaris Purple may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we find that the Dustproof Green has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Polaris Purple, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Polaris Purple has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Dustproof Green's 80 grams. The variance in force between the two switches caters to different preferences - the Dustproof Green offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force, while the Polaris Purple provides a lighter touch for more extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of both switches, it can be noted that they offer a similar experience in terms of keypress feel and response. Users can expect consistent feedback and actuation with either switch, resulting in precise and efficient typing or gaming performance. The identical travel distance of 4mm ensures that both switches provide a comfortable typing experience while maintaining a satisfying tactile or clicky response. Overall, whether you opt for the Outemu Dustproof Green or the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch, you can expect a comparable key travel distance that enhances your typing experience.
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 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
The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch is known for not having a distinct characteristic that stands out. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is renowned for its big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating tactile typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Dustproof Green's sound profile is not specified, while the Polaris Purple is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of typing scenarios. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dustproof Green does not have a specific feel associated with it. In contrast, the Polaris Purple is described as offering a mild typing experience, making it accessible to most users due to its middle-ground qualities. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switches are labeled as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Green and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer different subjective qualities. While the Dustproof Green's sound and feel remain unspecified, the Polaris Purple stands out for its tactile bump and polished finish, providing an exhilarating yet smooth typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you may opt for the Polaris Purple switch for a tactile and refined typing feel, or the Dustproof Green switch for an unknown but potentially different experience. It's important to consider not only the switch itself, but also your overall keyboard setup to achieve your desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy switch with a satisfying clicky sound, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch would be a great choice for you. With its 80-gram bottom out force, this switch is best suited for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be a perfect fit. With its 67-gram bottom out force, this switch provides an exhilarating tactile typing experience that is both approachable and polished. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for weight, sound, and tactile feedback.
Mentioned in this article
