Outemu Purple vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing their options between various tactile switches. The Outemu Purple is frequently highlighted for its unique characteristics, which, though not explicitly defined, are appreciated for their overall typing feel and performance. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple stands out for its pronounced tactile bump, offering an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile that enhances the overall tactile feedback. Categorized as 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished,' the Polaris Purple appeals to those who seek a more refined and responsive engagement with each keystroke. While the Outemu Purple might attract users looking for a consistent and reliable switch without the fuss, the Polaris Purple is tailored for those who crave a more dynamic and engaging typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Purple Tactile

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches, a striking similarity emerges in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which contributes to a crisper and sharper sound profile. This characteristic is directly tied to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the transparent nature of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making both switches appealing options for gamers and typists looking for both performance and aesthetics. Thus, in terms of sound profile and lighting compatibility, users can expect similar results from both switches’ top housings.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches. The Outemu Purple features a nylon bottom housing known for producing a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer texture that absorbs sound vibrations. This contrasts sharply with the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the top housing's characteristics of providing a sharper and more resonant tone. The sound profile produced when bottoming out the key is largely affected by the bottom housing; therefore, the Outemu Purple will deliver a more rounded auditory experience compared to the sharply-defined sound from the Polaris Purple due to its stiffer housing material.

This division of sound characteristics highlights the impact of different materials on the overall experience of using each switch. The nylon bottom of the Outemu Purple softens and enriches the sound output, providing a more muted auditory feedback, which can cater to users who prefer a softer feel while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Polaris Purple, with its two polycarbonate housings, aims for a consistency in high-pitched clarity. The result is that while the top housings of both switches yield similar performance in terms of sound and lighting effects, the bottom housings serve to distinctly color the auditory feedback, making each switch suitable for different user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that could influence user preference. The Outemu Purple switch features a specified actuation force of 50 grams, making it relatively lighter and potentially more suitable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force reported at 67 grams, indicating a heavier overall feel when fully pressed. This medium-heavy bottom out force caters to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. While we lack information on the Polaris's actuation force, the known differences imply that the Outemu Purple is the lighter option, ideal for comfortable, prolonged use, while the heavier force of the Polaris Purple might appeal to users seeking a firmer keystroke feedback.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer an identical keypress distance from top to bottom. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness when using either switch, resulting in a similar typing or gaming experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, individuals looking for a tactile switch will find consistency in performance, regardless of the brand they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Purple switch lacks a clearly defined auditory profile, making it difficult to comment on its characteristics. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches have a sound described as neutral, which means they produce a moderate sound profile that works well in various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The neutrality in sound can make the Polaris Purple a versatile option for users who may be sensitive to noise levels, ensuring that it doesn't dominate the audio landscape during use.

In terms of tactile feel, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a specific description available. In contrast, the Polaris Purple stands out for its pronounced tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience that many users find satisfying. It is categorized as a mild switch, which allows for a gentle typing experience, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. Additionally, the polished nature of the Polaris Purple switch contributes to its smoothness, offering reduced friction and seamless key travel. This combination of tactile feedback and smooth operation makes the Polaris Purple an appealing choice for those who appreciate a refined feel.

In summary, while the Outemu Purple switch lacks defined qualities in both sound and feel, the SP-Star Polaris Purple offers a well-rounded auditory experience and an engaging tactile response. With its neutral sound profile and the exhilaration of a pronounced tactile bump, the Polaris Purple switch is likely to provide a more satisfying typing experience. If you are seeking a switch that combines both a pleasant auditory experience and a refined tactile feel, the Polaris Purple is a compelling choice, while the Outemu Purple may result in a less defined typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended usage. If you are looking for a switch that offers a more traditional tactile feel, the Polaris Purple might be the better option for you, thanks to its pronounced tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience, combined with a neutral sound profile that makes it versatile for both home and professional environments. Moreover, the Polaris Purple's medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams may be suitable for those who prefer more resistance in their key presses, helping to prevent unintentional keystrokes. Conversely, if you might prefer a gentler typing experience that is approachable for both novices and seasoned typists, then the Outemu Purple could be fitting. However, since specific descriptions for the Outemu Purple's feel and sound are less documented, you may want to try them for yourself to discover how they align with your typing style. In the end, the deciding factor will hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound versatility or a smoother, potentially more straightforward typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more