Durock Piano vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Piano and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Durock Piano is a linear switch known for its proprietary material blend, resulting in a pleasant typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Categorized as "Bassy", "Frictionless", and "Silky", the Durock Piano offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is a tactile switch renowned for its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience. This switch has a snappy sound profile and is categorized as "Neutral", "Mild", and "Polished". Each switch has its own unique qualities and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the SP-Star Polaris Purple differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housing, offering a satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact details of this blend remain unknown, its impact is evident in the overall sound experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple incorporates polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housing. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the inclusion of RGB lighting due to its translucency. Overall, the housing materials of these two switches result in distinct sound characteristics, with the Piano favoring a deep and satisfying tone, and the Polaris Purple emphasizing clarity and higher frequencies.
Despite their differences, the housing materials also share some similarities in terms of sound production. Both the POM blend used in the Piano's housing and the polycarbonate utilized in the Polaris Purple's housing contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. While the POM blend offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile in the Piano, the polycarbonate provides a clearer and crisper sound in the Polaris Purple. Both materials have their respective strengths and impact the sound experience in different ways. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in clear housings is a common practice, making it likely that both the top and bottom housing materials of these switches enhance their sound profiles in similar manners. Therefore, although each switch has its own distinct characteristics, both the Durock Piano and the SP-Star Polaris Purple can deliver comparable results in terms of sound by utilizing their respective housing materials effectively.
The impact of the top and bottom housing materials in these switches is important to consider, as it affects the overall sound production and tactile experience. In the case of the Durock Piano, the bottom housing made from the POM blend plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This housing material contributes to the satisfying and deep sound profile that the Piano is known for. On the other hand, the top housing material, which remains undisclosed but offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, influences the sound when a key is released. In the SP-Star Polaris Purple, the polycarbonate utilized in both the top and bottom housing materials allows for a sharper and crisper sound when pressing down on a key, emphasizing the impact of the bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing material, also polycarbonate, contributes to the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can impact different aspects of the sound experience, making it crucial to consider the specific characteristics of each switch's top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, which means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is not specified for either switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Durock Piano has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Durock Piano, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. This would be ideal for individuals using a keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the SP-Star Polaris Purple, with its slightly heavier bottom out force. This provides a stronger push feel and can enhance the overall typing sensation.
While the exact actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it is fair to assume that they may deliver similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, it is important to note that the Durock Piano has a lighter bottom out force compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple, making it the lighter option. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Piano linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the switch travel this distance from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, providing consistent feedback and responsiveness. Whether you choose the Durock Piano or the SP-Star Polaris Purple, you can expect a satisfying tactile sensation with a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, there is no significant difference in the travel distance of these two switches, ensuring similar results in terms of keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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.
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
The Durock Piano linear switch is known for its pleasant and smooth typing experience. When using these switches, users have described a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The sound profile of the Piano switches is characterized as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This creates a sense of depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is recognized for its exhilarating tactile typing experience. The Polaris Purples have a big tactile bump, providing users with a satisfying tactile feedback when pressing the keys. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple switches is described as snappy, although further details are not provided. These switches fall into the category of neutral switches, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, whether beginners or advanced typists, and whether used at home or work.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switches are described as frictionless and silky. They offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. The switch has a fluid travel, providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switches are characterized as mild and polished. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience, suitable for users who prefer a more subtle feel. The polished finish of the Polaris Purple switches, whether due to the materials used or factory lubing, ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Durock Piano linear switches and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Piano switches focus on providing a pleasant and smooth linear typing experience, with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switches aim to deliver an exhilarating tactile feel with a big tactile bump, and a snappy sound profile. Both switches offer unique experiences, with the Piano switches being suited for those who prefer a linear switch and a bassy sound, while the Polaris Purple switches cater to those who enjoy tactile feedback and a neutral sound. However, it's important to consider personal preferences and factors such as keyboard and keycap choice, as they can further impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep and creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch is the ideal choice for you. The proprietary material blend used in these switches offers a frictionless and silky feel, creating a gliding push sensation when typing. Additionally, the bassy sound signature adds a sense of depth and richness to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the better option. The big tactile bump in these switches provides an exhilarating feel while typing, and the neutral sound profile ensures a moderate sound level suitable for various environments. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you prioritize.
Mentioned in this article
