Outemu Spring Breeze vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Spring Breeze 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 Spring Breeze and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer distinct typing experiences. The Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, known for its satisfying click noise with each key press. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch, featuring a prominent tactile bump that enhances typing feedback. While the Spring Breeze provides an auditory feedback, the Polaris Purple focuses on a tactile sensation. The Spring Breeze is categorized as a clicky switch, while the Polaris Purple falls into the categories of neutral, mild, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, but 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 Spring Breeze and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, the main difference lies in the use of nylon for the Spring Breeze and polycarbonate for the Polaris Purple. The nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Purple produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the sound profile as well.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Spring Breeze and the Polaris Purple utilize their respective materials to influence the sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Spring Breeze contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the top housing, due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, in line with the qualities of the top housing. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the Spring Breeze and the Polaris Purple differ in their housing materials, with nylon and polycarbonate respectively, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the properties of their housings. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches provide distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Spring Breeze switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Polaris Purple switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Polaris Purple switch requires a heavier force of 67 grams, while the Spring Breeze switch has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Polaris Purple switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Spring Breeze switch offers a lighter typing feel with its medium-light bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a switch that allows for longer typing sessions or one that provides a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their consistent travel distance, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a tactile feedback when typing. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two switches, as they both offer a standard 4 mm distance.
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 Spring Breeze 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 Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, but based on its clicky nature, we can expect a crisp and audible noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate level of noise that should be suitable for various environments and preferences. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the two switches, the Spring Breeze does not have a specific descriptor provided. We can assume that as a clicky switch, it offers a tactile bump and audible feedback during typing. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as being mild and polished. This means that the typing experience with these switches will feel gentle and smooth, with a refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. The tactile bump in these switches will provide a satisfying feedback without being too pronounced.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Spring Breeze provides a clicky experience with audible feedback, while the Polaris Purple delivers a moderate sound profile and a gentle, polished typing experience. Depending on your preferences for noise level and tactile feedback, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Consider trying out both to see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Spring Breeze with its 55-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch, the Polaris Purple with its 67-gram bottom out force might be the better choice. Additionally, if you enjoy a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a more gentle typing experience, the Spring Breeze may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
