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Outemu Milk Tea vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch with the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are noticeable differences that set them apart. The Milk Tea switch is best known for its neutral characteristics, offering a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is praised for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a more exhilarating typing sensation and a snappier sound profile. While both switches fall under the tactile category, the Milk Tea leans towards a more subtle and mild experience, while the Polaris Purple offers a more polished and defined tactile feedback. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to better determine which switch is the ideal choice for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

N/A

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

Ly

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Gold plated

Housing materials

Overall, the Outemu Milk Tea and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches showcase differences in their housing materials that directly impact the sound profile and feel of typing. The Milk Tea's combination of a Ly top housing and a nylon bottom housing creates a unique blend of bright, resonant clacks with a deeper, fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top and bottom housings offer a sharper, crisper sound profile with a higher-pitched tone. While both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials, they do so in distinct ways that cater to different preferences.

Despite their differences, both the Outemu Milk Tea and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches share a focus on enhancing the sound quality of typing through their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple creates a clear and resonant sound profile that complements the RGB lighting aesthetic, while the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound to create a duller, rounder sound. However, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying sound experience for users, albeit in different ways. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched tones of the Polaris Purple or the deeper, fuller sound of the Milk Tea, both switches offer distinct sound profiles to cater to various typing preferences.

In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Milk Tea and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The unique combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to their individual characteristics, from the bright, resonant clacks of the Milk Tea to the sharp, crisper tones of the Polaris Purple. Whether you prioritize a clear sound profile or a deeper, fuller typing experience, both switches offer distinct benefits that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound quality for users to enjoy.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is clear that the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Polaris Purple, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Polaris Purple is heavier with a force of 67 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. The difference in weight between the two switches can greatly impact the typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may gravitate towards the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Purple for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that pressing down on either key will result in a similar tactile experience in terms of distance traveled. Both switches offer consistent feedback and actuation at the same distance, making them suitable for users who prefer a shorter travel distance for typing or gaming. Additionally, the identical travel distance ensures that users will get similar results when using either switch, making it a matter of personal preference rather than performance when choosing between the two.

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 Milk Tea 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 Milk Tea switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offer different experiences. The Milk Tea switch is described as having a sound profile that is yet to be specified, while the Polaris Purple switch is noted for its snappy and neutral sound profile. The big tactile bump on the Polaris Purple may result in a more audible typing experience compared to the Milk Tea switch. However, it is important to consider that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

Moving on to feel, the Outemu Milk Tea switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch also diverge in their tactile experiences. The Milk Tea switch has qualities of feel that have not been specified, whereas the Polaris Purple switch is characterized as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The gentle and polished characteristics of the Polaris Purple switch suggest that it offers a smooth and refined key feel, which may be more approachable to a wide range of users. In contrast, the feel of the Milk Tea switch remains unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Tea switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch present distinct sound and feel profiles. While the Polaris Purple switch is praised for its snappy sound and gentle, polished feel, the specific qualities of the Milk Tea switch are still undisclosed. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, each switch may cater to different typing preferences. However, if the Milk Tea switch shares similarities in its characteristics with the Polaris Purple switch, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and are looking for a unique typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and prefer a switch with a big tactile bump for a more exhilarating typing experience, the Polaris Purple might be more suited to your needs. Consider the sound profile and feel of each switch as well, with the Milk Tea offering a yet-to-be-described sound and feel, and the Polaris Purple providing a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you as you type.

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