Outemu Peach vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Peach and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that come to mind are the Outemu Outemu Peach and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. These switches offer distinct features that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Outemu Peach is highly regarded for its lightweight design and silent operation, providing a feathery light typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple boasts an exhilarating tactile typing experience with its prominent tactile bump, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. While these general descriptions may give you an initial idea of which switch may suit your needs, it is essential to dive deeper into their specific characteristics to make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Peach and SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in their housing material for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Outemu Peach features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple uses polycarbonate for both.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon housing of the Outemu Peach creates a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Purple produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
When it comes to the tactile experience, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable. Pressing down on the switch will give you a better sense of the characteristics of the bottom housing. With the Outemu Peach's nylon bottom housing, you can expect a deeper and rounder sound. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple will provide a sharper and crisper sound upon actuation.
On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when letting go of a key. With the Outemu Peach's nylon top housing, the sound upon key release will be duller and rounder due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Purple will contribute to a more clear and resonant sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Outemu Peach and SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Outemu Peach provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. However, if you're looking for a switch with enhanced RGB lighting capabilities, the clear and translucent polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Purple is an advantageous choice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force, the Outemu Peach linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch differ in terms of their weight. The Outemu Peach has a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's exact actuation force is unavailable, but its bottom out force is noticeably heavier at 67 grams. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience may find the Outemu Peach more appealing, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and reach the bottom. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Polaris Purple due to its medium-heavy bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, we can see that the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. Both options have their advantages, but it ultimately depends on personal preference and whether you value a quicker response or a more satisfying depth when pressing the keys.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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, both the Outemu Peach and the Polaris Purple switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Outemu Peach has the added benefit of being a silenced switch, which means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular switch. This can be especially appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both the Outemu Peach and the Polaris Purple switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, which means that they have a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities make both switches suitable for most users, as they offer a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Peach and the Polaris Purple switches have similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience. The Outemu Peach has the added benefit of being a silenced switch, providing a quieter typing experience. However, both switches are polished, ensuring a smooth and refined feel. Overall, whether you choose the Outemu Peach or the Polaris Purple, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable for linear and tactile enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a linear switch enthusiast seeking a lightweight and silent typing experience, the Outemu Peach switches are the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a feathery light feel and are perfect for those who prefer a gentler, more subtle typing experience. Additionally, the muted sound profile of the Outemu Peach switches ensures a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for both home and work environments.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches are a great option for you. These switches feature a big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating tactile feedback while typing. The snappy sound profile adds to the overall typing experience, creating a satisfying and responsive feel.
In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most situations, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Peach switches offer a mild and subtle typing experience due to their gentle resistance and polished finish. This results in a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches also offer a mild typing experience but with the added benefit of a polished finish, delivering a sleek and enjoyable typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Outemu Peach and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches will depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desired typing experience in terms of weight, sound, and feel. Consider these factors carefully to select the switch that best suits your needs and typing style.
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