Kailh Plum vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a multitude of options available to suit different preferences and typing styles. Two popular tactile switches worth considering are the Kailh Plum and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Plum is known for its unique tactility, as it boasts a hefty feel without a significant tactile bump, setting it apart from many other tactile switches. Its sound profile is described as neutral and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers an exhilarating typing experience with its big tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback with every keystroke. Its sound profile is snappy. Both switches fall under the category of being 'Neutral' and 'Mild', but the Plum is 'Stepped' while the Polaris Purple is 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, the Plum and Polaris Purple share similar characteristics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Plum employs nylon, while the Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction in bottom housing material results in a noticeable difference in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on these switches.
Overall, the varying top and bottom housing materials in the Kailh Plum and SP-Star Polaris Purple divide the qualities each material brings to the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller tone in the Plum, while polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple creates a sharper and crisper sound. Conversely, the top housing's impact is more noticeable when releasing a key, affecting the sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile with their respective polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force for both switches is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Plum measuring at 70 grams and the Polaris Purple at 67 grams.
Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Plum may be the better option as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for professional settings or marathon gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards switches with a heavier force. In this case, the Polaris Purple would be a suitable choice with its slightly lighter bottom out force. The extra resistance provides a more pronounced push feel, which some find enhances their typing experience.
In conclusion, while the actuation force is unknown for both the Kailh Plum and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches, they both have a medium-heavy bottom out force. The Plum is a bit heavier, at 70 grams, while the Polaris Purple measures at 67 grams. The preference for lighter or heavier switches will depend on individual typing styles and preferences. Overall, both switches offer tactile feedback and durability, allowing users to achieve satisfying and reliable keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have different travel distances. The Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is the most common, while 3.0 mm is considered the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Plum's shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Polaris Purple's longer travel distance could be the preferable choice. Overall, both switches provide distinct experiences, with the Plum offering a slightly shorter travel distance and the Polaris Purple offering a slightly longer one.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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, both the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound profile and are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are planning to use them at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Plum tactile switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Plum switch also has a stepped feel, which means that it feels like it has two stages. It has some pre-travel and/or post-travel, which makes the tactile bump feel more mild in comparison to hypertactile switches. The Polaris Purple tactile switch also offers a mild typing experience and has a polished finish. A polished switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel.
Overall, the Plum and Polaris Purple switches have different qualities in terms of feel, with the Plum switch having a stepped feel and the Polaris Purple switch having a polished finish. However, both switches provide a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps. So, if you are looking for a unique and weighty typing experience, the Plum switch might be the right choice for you, while the Polaris Purple switch offers an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a unique feel and weightiness, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great choice. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and features a moderate tactile bump. The sound profile of the Plum is described as neutral and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you want a more exhilarating tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be a better option. It has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 67 grams and a big tactile bump. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is snappy. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. However, the Plum has a stepped feel, providing a gentle pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, while the Polaris Purple has a polished finish for a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for weight, tactile feel, and sound profile.
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