Outemu Dustproof Red vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Dustproof Red is a linear switch known for its smooth actuation and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump and satisfying typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the Dustproof Red offers a straightforward typing experience, the Polaris Purple provides a more tactile and engaging feel. If you prefer a linear switch with a consistent feel, the Dustproof Red may be the best choice for you. However, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Polaris Purple could be the ideal option. Ultimately, delving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help you determine the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Dustproof Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing to create a consistent, sharp sound profile. The combination of these different housing materials in each switch allows for a unique typing experience that combines the best qualities of both plastics.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the Outemu Dustproof Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, their different bottom housing materials lead to variations in sound profiles. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Red or a more consistent and sharp sound profile with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Dustproof Red is 60 grams, while the Polaris Purple has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. The Dustproof Red provides a smoother typing experience with its lighter actuation force, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Despite the differences in force, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of which one they choose.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is known for its smooth and quiet linear action, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provides a tactile bump for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, while their travel distances may be the same, the typing experience offered by each switch can vary based on their unique characteristics.
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 Red 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 Dustproof Red switch is known for a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a snappy sound, adding an exhilarating element to your typing experience. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired sound profile for your mechanical keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Red switch does not have any specific descriptors provided, so it is hard to determine the exact tactile experience it offers. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as mild and polished. This means that the Polaris Purple switch provides a gentle and approachable typing experience, with smooth and refined key travel. If you prefer a switch that falls in the middle ground in terms of tactility and offers a polished typing experience, the Polaris Purple switch might be the better choice for you.
Overall, both the Dustproof Red and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dustproof Red switch provides a neutral sound profile, while the Polaris Purple switch offers a snappy typing experience with a big tactile bump. When it comes to feel, the Polaris Purple switch stands out for its mild tactility and polished finish. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch could be a great option for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, you should choose the Dustproof Red if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a switch with no specific standout feature. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the Dustproof Red is more of a straightforward option, while the Polaris Purple offers a more engaging and tactile typing experience. Consider your preferences and priorities when choosing between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
