Outemu Silent Green vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Green and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, one can see the stark differences between them. The Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch with a focus on silence, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is also a linear switch but offers a more tactile and bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. The Silent Green is categorized as quiet, while the Polaris Gray is known for its low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished attributes. If you prioritize a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green would be the way to go. Alternatively, if you value a more tactile and satisfying typing feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray would be the better choice. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are both made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches feature translucent polycarbonate housings, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches provide a similar level of sound quality and visual appeal.
While both switches have polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the distribution of these materials may vary between the two. The bottom housing of the switches plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. This means that the qualities of the bottom housing will be more pronounced during the typing experience. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how the distribution of polycarbonate in the housing affects key press and release sounds can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Green and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches share the same polycarbonate housing material, ensuring a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The difference in the distribution of the housing materials between the top and bottom housings may result in varying typing experiences. Whether you prioritize the sound when pressing down a key or when releasing it, understanding the impact of the housing materials can help you select the switch that aligns with your preferences for typing feel and sound. Ultimately, both switches offer similar qualities due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the housing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The Outemu Silent Green has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Polaris Gray's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Polaris Gray is heavier at 67 grams, while the Outemu Silent Green has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Polaris Gray provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Outemu Silent Green offers a lighter touch. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall feel despite the differences in force requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing experience and weight preference.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The 4 mm travel distance allows for a smooth and consistent keystroke, providing a comfortable typing experience for the user. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and overall typing performance.
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 Silent Green 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a minimal noise level during typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a low-pitched and clean sound profile, providing a satisfyingly deep "thocky" sound when pressed. The Polaris Gray switch offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is neutral and suitable for various typing environments, whether at home or work. Both switches will produce different sound profiles depending on the overall setup of your keyboard and keycaps, so it's essential to consider these factors when choosing between the two.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch does not have any specific descriptors available for comparison. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as offering a mild and gentle typing experience, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is polished, providing a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. This polished characteristic contributes to smooth key travel and a comfortable typing feel for extended use.
Considering the information provided, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is best suited for those seeking a quiet typing experience without any specific descriptors for sound or feel. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, as well as a mild and polished feel that is gentle on the fingers. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so it's important to consider your preferences in sound and feel when deciding between the two options.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Green may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and a bouncier, more tacticle typing experience, the Polaris Gray could be the way to go. Consider the sound and feel profiles of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Remember, the best switch for you is the one that feels the most comfortable and enjoyable to type on.
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