Outemu Green vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Green and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Green switch is categorized as a clicky switch, known for providing a satisfying audible feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is a tactile switch, famous for its prominent tactile bump that enhances typing accuracy and speed. While the Outemu Green switch is ideal for those who enjoy the clicky sound and feedback, the Polaris Purple switch is preferred by users who prioritize a tactile typing experience with a smooth sound profile. 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
Standard
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
Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Green and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches, both feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the overall resonance of the sound produced. Visually, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Despite the similarities in the top housing material, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Green utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound, while the Polaris Purple opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and clearer sound profile.
In terms of sound production, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound experience of a switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Green provides a deeper and rounder sound profile, creating a more muted tone compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the SP-Star Polaris Purple. When typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users may notice a more subdued and smoother typing experience, while switches with polycarbonate bottom housings deliver a crisper and more defined typing sound. The bottom-out sound and feel of a switch are heavily influenced by the characteristics of the bottom housing material, highlighting the importance of this component in the overall typing experience.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing material for enhanced sound clarity and resonance, the difference in their bottom housing materials contributes to distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Green's nylon bottom housing offers a softer and more absorbing sound profile, providing a deeper typing experience, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to individual preferences for sound characteristics, with the bottom housing material playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing feel and sound profile of each switch.
Weight
The Outemu Green clicky switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch. With an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, the Green switch requires a strong push for both activation and full keystroke. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, but the actuation force is not specified. However, by considering the bottom out force alone, the Polaris Purple switch is lighter than the Outemu Green switch. The weight of the switch is important as it can impact typing comfort and fatigue. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Polaris Purple for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier Outemu Green switch more suitable.
Travel distance
The Outemu Green clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback to the user. The tactile bump on the Polaris Purple switch is designed to provide a more pronounced tactile response compared to the clicky feedback of the Outemu Green switch. However, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same amount of key travel, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a standard key press distance.
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 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 Green clicky switch is best known for providing a loud and satisfying click sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a snappy sound profile that is notably neutral, making it suitable for various typing purposes. When it comes to feel, the Outemu Green switch lacks specific descriptors, whereas the Polaris Purple switch is described as mild and polished. This means that the Polaris Purple switch offers a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel, making it a safe and approachable option for most users. Overall, while both switches offer unique qualities, the Outemu Green switch excels in auditory feedback, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch provides a more refined and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in sound and feel, with both options offering satisfactory performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a heavy switch with a clicky sound profile and do not mind the lack of distinct features, you may want to choose the Outemu Green clicky switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a big tactile bump for a more exhilarating typing experience, along with a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be a better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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