Outemu Silent White vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White 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 White and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer unique typing experiences to suit different preferences. The Silent White is a linear switch with no tactile bump or audible click, making it perfect for those who prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying tactile bump with a snappy sound profile, ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. 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
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, where the Silent White stands out is with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Polaris Purple sticks with a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing the consistent sharp and resonant sound profile of the switch as a whole.
While both switches share the utilization of polycarbonate in their top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Silent White contributes to a more muffled and rounder sound upon bottoming out, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the switch's overall crisp and clear sound profile. When it comes to the key press and release, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent for the Silent White, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced by the Polaris Purple.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Silent White and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The Silent White offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, bringing a unique feel to typing sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple maintains a consistently sharp and crisp sound profile throughout, thanks to its polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Silent White focusing on a more muffled and rounder sound, while the Polaris Purple provides a clear and resonant typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent White has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Polaris Purple, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Polaris Purple is heavier with 67 grams compared to the Silent White's 60 grams. This means that the Silent White offers a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch, perfect for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, appealing to those who like a stronger tactile feedback. Both switches offer medium to medium-heavy forces, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of personal preference.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent White has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent White's 3.3 mm travel distance provides a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gamers seeking fast response times. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's 4 mm travel distance offers a deeper and more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding typing experience and desired key feel.
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 White 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 Silent White switch is known for being unobtrusive and quiet, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is described as having a snappy and neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by a switch can be affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Silent White switch is known for its smooth and consistent typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize a fluid keypress. Meanwhile, the Polaris Purple switch offers a tactile typing experience with a big bump, providing a satisfying and engaging feel with every keypress. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switch is polished, guaranteeing a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different but equally appealing qualities to users. The Silent White switch provides a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the Polaris Purple switch offers a satisfying tactile bump and polished feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a great typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar satisfaction regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a smoother typing experience with a more neutral sound profile, the Outemu Silent White may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple would be more suitable. Additionally, if you appreciate a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Polaris Purple would be the way to go. In the end, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
Mentioned in this article
