Durock Piano vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Piano and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both of which are linear switches. The Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, resulting in a smooth and pleasant typing experience. This switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is favored by those who prefer a bouncy typing experience. Its sound profile is characterized as clean and clacky. With a low-pitched and polished feel, it offers a neutral and mild thocky experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Piano and the SP-Star Polaris Gray differ in terms of their housing materials. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend top and bottom housing, while the Polaris Gray uses polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. The POM blend in the Piano is known for offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend are undisclosed. On the other hand, the polycarbonate used in the Polaris Gray creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Polaris Gray.

Despite their differences, both the Piano and the Polaris Gray deliver impressive sound qualities due to their respective housing materials. While the POM blend in the Piano emphasizes a deep sound profile, the polycarbonate in the Polaris Gray produces a sharper and more vibrant sound. Although the exact details of the POM blend are unknown, it is evident that both materials contribute to enhancing the overall audio experience of the switches. Whether you prefer a more resonant and deep sound or a sharper and crisper tone, both the Piano and the Polaris Gray provide pleasing results based on their housing materials.

The distinction between the top and bottom housings of these switches should also be noted. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. As the bottom housing of the Piano and the Polaris Gray differ from each other, the tactile experience and sound when pressing down may vary. Additionally, upon releasing a key, the top housing takes center stage, affecting the sound produced. Although the POM blend in the Piano's top housing and the polycarbonate in the Polaris Gray's top housing differ in terms of sound profile, they both play a significant role in the overall sound when letting go of a key.

Weight

When comparing and contrasting the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Durock Piano switch has an actuation force that is currently unknown, while the Polaris Gray switch also has an unavailable actuation force. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force. The Durock Piano switch requires 63.5 grams of force to bottom out, while the Polaris Gray switch requires 67 grams of force.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Durock Piano switch. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue and is particularly suitable for keyboards used in work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push may choose the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch. The heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray switch provides a tactile feedback that some find satisfying during their typing experience.

While the exact actuation force of both switches is unknown, it is worth noting that they likely fall within a similar range. This means that users can expect a similar level of responsiveness and triggering of keystrokes from both switches, even though the absolute force values are not specified. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Piano linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch will come down to personal preference in terms of desired typing experience and the weight one prefers in their switches.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Piano linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance traveled by both switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Piano or the Polaris Gray switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance experienced.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Piano linear switches are best known for their deep and creamy sound signature. These switches offer a bassy sound profile characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches have a clean and clacky sound profile. They are described as low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, they offer a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, both switches deliver pleasant and unique sound experiences, with the Piano offering a deeper and creamier tone, while the Polaris Gray provides a clean and clacky sound.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Piano linear switches are known for their frictionless and silky typing experience. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. They provide a fluid travel that enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches have a mild and polished feel. They offer a more gentle typing experience, approaching a safe middle-ground zone in terms of characteristics. These switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The feel of both switches ensures a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Piano emphasizing a frictionless and silky feel, and the Polaris Gray offering a milder and polished sensation.

In conclusion, the Durock Piano linear switches and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Piano switches provide a deep, creamy, and bassy sound profile, coupled with a frictionless and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches offer clean, clacky, low-pitched, and thocky sound characteristics, with a more mild and polished feel. Each switch has its own unique appeal and can cater to specific preferences. If you are looking for a deep and rich sound with a frictionless typing experience, the Durock Piano switches would be a great option. If you prefer a clean and clacky sound with a mild and polished feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches would be a suitable choice. It is important to consider personal preferences, as well as the overall keyboard setup, including the board and keycaps, to achieve the desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Durock Piano linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have their own unique characteristics that make them suitable for different preferences and typing experiences. If you are looking for a pleasant and smooth typing experience, with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch would be an excellent option.

In terms of sound, the Durock Piano switch offers a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch has a low-pitched tone, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch also offers a neutral sound profile and a thocky sound when pressed, adding to its versatility.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Durock Piano switch is described as frictionless and silky, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. This switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction and enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a mild typing experience, making it more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Consider the type of typing experience you prefer, whether it be a gliding push feel with a deep, creamy sound or a bouncy experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. Take into account the sound descriptors and feel characteristics provided for each switch to make an informed decision that aligns with your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more