Outemu Ocean vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Ocean and the SP-Star Polaris Purple mechanical keyboard switches, both switches fall under the tactile category, offering a satisfying tactile feedback with each keypress. The Ocean is known for its discreet profile, making it a versatile option for various typing tasks. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out for its pronounced tactile bump, creating a more exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the Ocean may appeal to those looking for a quieter and more understated typing experience, the Polaris Purple is ideal for users seeking a more tactile and audible feedback while typing. 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
N/A
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Ocean and the SP-Star Polaris Purple use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differentiate in their bottom housing material. The Ocean features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Polaris Purple opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material.
The distinction in bottom housing materials between the Outemu Ocean and the SP-Star Polaris Purple impacts the overall sound and feel of these switches. When typing on the Ocean, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple maintains the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material. The top housing of a switch is crucial as well, as it influences the sound when a key is released. Both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for the top housing, ensuring a consistent sharp and resonant sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While both the Outemu Ocean and the SP-Star Polaris Purple utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Ocean's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and clear sound profile. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it relatively light, while its bottom out force is unknown. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple has an actuation force that is unknown, but a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that the Polaris Purple requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Ocean. The actuation force is crucial for determining how responsive the switch will feel, and the bottom out force indicates how much pressure is needed to fully press the key. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier switch will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users will experience a consistent travel distance when typing on either switch, resulting in a similar feeling of tactile feedback. Whether you choose the Outemu Ocean or the SP-Star Polaris Purple, you can expect a standard travel distance of 4 mm, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
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 Ocean 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 Ocean tactile switch does not have a known descriptor, making it difficult to assess the sound quality. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a known descriptor, so it is hard to determine the exact typing experience it provides. Meanwhile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This indicates that the switch provides a gentle and approachable typing feel, making it comfortable for extended use. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined keypress, reducing friction and ensuring a sleek typing experience.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch are not clearly defined, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch stands out for its neutral sound profile, mild tactile feel, and polished finish. If you are looking for a switch that offers a moderate sound level and a comfortable typing experience without any extreme characteristics, the Polaris Purple switch would be a reliable choice. Keep in mind that personal preferences play a significant role in choosing the right switch, so trying out different options is essential to find the perfect match for your typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prefer a switch with a softer bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience without a specific emphasis on sound or feel, the Ocean switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and are seeking a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides a snappy sound profile and a polished feel, the Polaris Purple switch would be a great option. Consider your typing style, preferences, and environment when making your decision to ensure you choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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