Outemu Silent Grey vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the SP-Star Polaris Gray offer unique typing experiences for users to consider. The Silent Grey is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, perfect for those seeking a satisfying and silent option. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is a linear switch known for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. The Polaris Gray is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
In comparing the Outemu Silent Grey and SP-Star Polaris Gray housing materials, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, where the Silent Grey uses nylon and the Polaris Gray sticks with polycarbonate. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound compared to the harder polycarbonate material.
While both switches benefit from the clarity and resonance provided by polycarbonate in the top housing, the Silent Grey's use of nylon in the bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and rounder sound. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's decision to use polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing results in a consistently sharp and crisp sound profile throughout the keystroke. The split in housing materials between the two switches means that each brings a different set of qualities to the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey and SP-Star Polaris Gray housing materials will depend on individual preferences for the typing sound and feel. Those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the Polaris Gray with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing. On the other hand, users seeking a deeper and fuller sound profile may find the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey more to their liking. Both switches offer distinct advantages and it's important to consider how the housing materials will impact your overall typing experience before making a decision.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Outemu Silent Grey has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Polaris Gray, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams for the Silent Grey and 67 grams for the Polaris Gray, making them medium-heavy in terms of force. The Silent Grey provides a more tactile typing experience with its known actuation force, while the Polaris Gray offers a linear feel for those who prefer a smoother keypress. Overall, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches better suited for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial feel for typing enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is the same. This similarity ensures that users will experience similar results in terms of the feel and feedback provided by the switches during use. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing a reliable typing experience for users who prefer either tactile or linear switches.
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 Grey 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 Silent Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those seeking a satisfying and silent switch. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is known for its clean and clacky sound profile with a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky tone. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for sound, with the Silent Grey providing a quieter experience and the Polaris Gray offering a more distinctive clack.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is recognized for its tactile feedback and smooth keystroke, delivering a highly satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as providing a bouncy typing experience with a mild and polished feel, offering a more gentle and refined typing experience. Both switches offer a different tactile feel, with the Silent Grey focusing on a pronounced bump and the Polaris Gray offering a more approachable and polished typing feel.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent Grey might be the better option. However, if you enjoy a clean and clacky sound with a bouncy and polished typing feel, then the Polaris Gray could be the switch for you. Both switches have their unique qualities, so you can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you value a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, then the Silent Grey switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a quieter, tactile feel or a bouncy, clacky sound when typing. Both switches offer medium-heavy bottom out forces, so the main differentiator lies in the sound and feel characteristics. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences for a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
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