SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The Polaris Gray is a linear switch loved for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is a tactile switch known for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, offering a delicate balance of pronounced tactility without being overpowering. While the Polaris Gray is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished', the Purple Sakura is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable for different 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing. The Polaris Gray uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, maintaining the same sharp sound profile throughout. In contrast, the Purple Sakura utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder tone.
The choice of housing material for the top and bottom of a switch can greatly influence the typing experience. With the SP-Star Polaris Gray, the polycarbonate top housing and bottom housing work together to produce a consistent sharp sound profile. This is ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura combines a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a mix of sharp and dull sound qualities. This combination can provide a unique typing experience, with the top housing impacting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.
In conclusion, while both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura share a polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in the choice of bottom housing material. The Polaris Gray offers a consistent and sharp sound profile with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing. In contrast, the Purple Sakura's mix of polycarbonate and nylon housings creates a blend of sharp and dull sound qualities, offering a more varied typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it heavier than the Purple Sakura with a bottom out force of 60 grams. The actuation force for the Polaris Gray is unknown, while the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Polaris Gray may require a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke than the Purple Sakura. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Purple Sakura for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Sakura, making it the longer option. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Polaris Gray being more on the standard side and the Purple Sakura leaning towards the shallower end. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Polaris Gray. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 Gray for $5.00.
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a mild and neutral sound signature, creating a more subdued and gentle typing sound. Depending on personal preference, the Polaris Gray may be favored by those who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced sound, while the Purple Sakura may appeal to individuals seeking a quieter and more understated typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. The switch provides a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactility, making it approachable for most users. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch is characterized by its buttery and snappy feel. The switch delivers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a responsive and lively typing sensation for users seeking a more dynamic feel during typing.
Overall, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Gray provides a deeper and more pronounced sound with a moderate and polished feel, catering to those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience. Meanwhile, the Purple Sakura offers a quieter sound with a smooth and responsive feel, appealing to individuals looking for a more delicate and snappy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and clean sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Polaris Gray may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy response, buttery downstroke, and a more pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Purple Sakura could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing feel and sound profile resonate most with you.
Mentioned in this article
