Outemu Red vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Outemu Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray can make a significant impact on your typing experience. The Outemu Red is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth keystrokes and straightforward design. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray, also a linear switch, stands out for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Red offers a simple and reliable typing experience, the Polaris Gray provides a more tactile feel with a unique sound signature. 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates well, making it ideal for achieving a clear sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switches. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Red features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile throughout the switch.
The choice of housing materials in keyboard switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience. The Outemu Red and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches demonstrate the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials in achieving the desired sound and feel. While both switches excel in utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing to create a clear and resonant sound, the differing bottom housing materials provide unique characteristics. Typing on the Red switch with a nylon bottom housing may result in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Polaris Gray switch with a polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharpness and crispness of the sound profile. These differences showcase how the combination of housing materials can influence the typing sound and feel in distinct ways.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Outemu Red and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer a blend of similarities and differences that cater to individual preferences in typing experiences. Both switches leverage the benefits of polycarbonate for the top housing, delivering a sharp and clear sound profile ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart, with the Red switch's nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the Polaris Gray switch's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper tone. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their desired typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that the Red is lighter in both aspects. The Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Polaris Gray has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of bottom out force, but the Polaris Gray is slightly heavier. The actuation force of the Red provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Polaris Gray offers a heavier push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it can be noted that both switches offer a consistent feel and actuation point due to their identical distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches, as they provide the same level of keypress feedback. As a result, whether you choose the Outemu Red or the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, you can anticipate comparable results in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 Gray for $5.00.
The Outemu Red 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 Red linear switch is known for providing a quiet typing experience with a subtle and non-intrusive sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a thocky characteristic, resulting in a clean and clacky typing sound. While both switches may produce satisfying sounds, the Polaris Gray switch stands out for its deeper tone and more defined auditory feedback, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Red switch does not have any specific descriptors provided. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is known for offering a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic of the Polaris Gray switch indicates a gentle typing feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it comfortable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience for users who appreciate a refined feel when typing.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both offer their own unique sound and feel characteristics, the Polaris Gray switch stands out for its low-pitched, thocky sound profile and mild, polished typing feel. If you prefer a quiet and subtle typing experience, the Red switch may be more suitable for you. However, if you enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a clean, clacky sound profile, then the Outemu Red switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound profile, then the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would come down to your personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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