Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between different mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a clicky switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, a linear switch. The Dustproof Purple switch is known for its unique design aimed at keeping dust out of the mechanism, making it ideal for those in dusty environments. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is loved for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. Whether you prefer a clicky switch with a bit of noise feedback or a smooth linear switch for a seamless typing experience, both switches have their own advantages. 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
55g
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
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 Purple and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. However, the Dustproof Purple also employs a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate in the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Dustproof Purple and the Polaris Gray leads to distinct sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Purple contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference highlights how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the Dustproof Purple and the Polaris Gray showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles for mechanical switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the Dustproof Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. The combination of different housing materials in each switch results in a distinct typing experience, with the top and bottom housings each playing a role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Dustproof Purple and the Polaris Gray will depend on individual preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 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 67 grams, making them both medium-heavy in terms of pressure required. The Dustproof Purple may be preferable for those who prefer a slightly lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the Polaris Gray may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience with either switch. While one may have a difference in the sound and feel due to being clicky or linear, the travel distance remains the same, providing a familiar feel for typists regardless of which switch they choose to use.
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 Purple 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 Dustproof Purple switch is known for its unique qualities, but specific information regarding its sound profile is not available. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as having a low-pitched, clean, and clacky sound. This indicates that the Polaris Gray switch may provide a deeper, mellow tone compared to the Dustproof Purple switch, which might result in a more satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a bass-heavy sound.
In terms of feel, details about the tactile feedback of the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch are not provided. However, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This suggests that the Polaris Gray switch provides a gentle and smooth key press with reduced friction, resulting in a comfortable typing experience that appeals to a broad range of users seeking a refined feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Purple and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Dustproof Purple switch may provide a unique experience with its unspecified sound and feel qualities, the Polaris Gray switch stands out for its low-pitched, clean sound and mild, polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with both options likely to deliver satisfactory results depending on the user's typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a loud clicky sound and a tactile response, the Dustproof Purple would be a great choice with its medium-heavy bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, bouncier typing feel with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray linear switch with its slightly higher bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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