Outemu Lotus vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus 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 Lotus and SP-Star Polaris Purple offer unique typing experiences. The Lotus is a linear switch with a smooth keystroke, making it ideal for fast typists and gamers looking for consistent actuation. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch, known for its pronounced tactile bump that provides a satisfying typing experience. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is described as snappy, adding to the overall tactile feedback. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
35g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, we see a clear distinction between nylon and polycarbonate. The Lotus's nylon top and bottom housings create a deep and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper and crisper sound profile because of the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Polaris Purple is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, a feature not found in the Lotus's nylon housing.
Despite their differences, both the Outemu Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share similar qualities in their respective nylon and polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Both materials impact the sound profile of the switches, with nylon creating a deeper and fuller sound while polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, both housings influence the overall feel of the switch when pressed, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when a key is released. This allows users to experience a unique and tactile typing experience with either switch.
In conclusion, the housings of the Outemu Lotus and the SP-Star Polaris Purple play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While nylon in the Lotus creates a deeper and duller sound, polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple produces a sharper and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is preferred for RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, both housing materials offer a tactile typing experience, with the bottom and top housings each playing a distinct role in the overall feel and sound of the switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, offering users a choice between a lighter or heavier typing experience. The Outemu Lotus has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter keystroke. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience. While the actuation force of the Polaris Purple is unknown, the varying bottom out forces of the two switches cater to different preferences for typing feel. Users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Outemu Lotus, while those who enjoy a firmer keystroke may opt for the SP-Star Polaris Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing feel for extended use.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch. The Lotus offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster input speeds. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple provides a deeper key press sensation with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Lotus being shorter and faster, while the Polaris Purple is longer and offers a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Lotus 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 Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different experiences. The Lotus switch is known for its sound profile, but specific details are not available. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. Keep in mind that the sound a switch produces can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lotus switch does not have specific descriptors available. However, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is known for providing a mild and polished typing experience. The Polaris Purple switch falls in the middle ground of tactile switches, offering a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch may have its own distinct characteristics, the Polaris Purple switch stands out for its exhilarating tactile bump and neutral sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing needs, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Lotus or Polaris Purple switch, you can expect reliable performance and a satisfying feel with each keystroke.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Lotus with 50 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Polaris Purple with 67 grams may be the better choice. Additionally, if you enjoy a neutral sound profile and a gentle, polished feel, the Polaris Purple may be more appealing to you. However, if you are looking for a switch without a specific standout characteristic and a mild, undefined feel, the Lotus could be the right option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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