Outemu Silent Grey vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and SP-Star Polaris Purple both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey is praised for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, thanks to its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple stands out with its exhilarating tactile bump and snappy sound profile. While the Silent Grey is perfect for those seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience, the Polaris Purple is ideal for individuals who enjoy a more tactile and polished feel. 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 housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting for a visually appealing effect. While both switches share this top housing material, they may exhibit slightly different sound profiles due to other factors at play.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent Grey features nylon while the Polaris Purple uses polycarbonate. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clarity. This contrast in bottom housing material may lead to noticeable differences in the typing experience and overall sound of the switches.
In terms of overall typing experience, the combination of housing materials in each switch will play a role in the tactile feedback and sound produced. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple contributes to its distinct sound profile, complementing the qualities of the top housing. Despite variations in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Polaris Purple does not have a specified actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Grey is 65 grams, slightly lighter than the Polaris Purple's 67 grams. This means that the Silent Grey may feel slightly lighter when typing, while the Polaris Purple offers a slightly more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a tactile feedback while typing and are suitable for users who prefer a medium to heavy typing force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and whether a slightly lighter or heavier force is desired.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect to experience a similar level of tactile feedback and keypress depth. Both switches offer a standard travel distance, providing a familiar typing experience for users. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, so you can expect to get similar results in terms of keypress depth and tactile feedback.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a more gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. The smooth key travel and reduced friction of the Polaris Purple switch contribute to its polished feel.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Grey and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a quieter typing experience with a pronounced bump like the Silent Grey or a more neutral sound profile with a gentle and polished feel like the Polaris Purple, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a big tactile bump with a snappy sound profile and a polished feel, the Polaris Purple switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, so the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Make sure to test both switches to see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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