SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Polaris Gray and Durock Sea Glass are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct characteristics and advantages. If you prefer a bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound, the Polaris Gray is the switch for you. With a low-pitched and polished profile, it provides a satisfying thocky feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating pastel colors and distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. These switches offer a smooth and easy-to-press experience, despite their 62g bottom-out force. They also produce a uniquely hollow sound. While these general pointers give you an idea of what each switch has to offer, 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Durock Sea Glass have some similarities and differences. Starting with the top housings, the Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sea Glass features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, providing a sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. While the Polaris Gray focuses on clarity and resonant sound, the Sea Glass aims for a more balanced and vibrant tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches utilize different materials yet offer distinct qualities. The Polaris Gray opts for polycarbonate again, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile upon bottom-out. However, the Sea Glass uses a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, resulting in a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but slightly brighter. In terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role. The Polaris Gray leans towards a more defined and resonant bottom-out sound, while the Sea Glass offers a softer and less pronounced feel.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch can greatly influence the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are most prominent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the release of a key, including the sound, is mainly influenced by the top housing. Although the Polaris Gray and Sea Glass differ in their housing materials, the split of these qualities between the top and bottom remains similar. Regardless of the specific housing materials used, both switches offer an enjoyable and unique typing experience, with differences in sharpness and brightness being the most notable distinction.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force are different. The Polaris Gray has an actuation force of an unknown amount of grams, while the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Polaris Gray at 67 grams (medium-heavy) and the Sea Glass at 62 grams (medium).
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass would be the better option due to its lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without causing as much fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may prefer the Polaris Gray. With its higher bottom out force, this switch provides a more satisfying tactile feedback.
Considering weight is important for individuals who prioritize typing comfort. Those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions may benefit from a lighter switch, as it allows for extended usage without causing strain. However, individuals who prefer a heavier keystroke may opt for a switch with a stronger push feel, as it provides a more significant typing experience.
In conclusion, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and Durock Sea Glass linear switches differ, they both provide satisfactory typing experiences. By choosing the Durock Sea Glass, users can enjoy a lighter typing feel, while the Polaris Gray offers a heavier and more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see that the Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0mm compared to the Sea Glass which has a travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Polaris Gray being slightly deeper. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Polaris Gray's longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the typing experience one desires.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is best known for providing a bouncy typing experience and producing a clean and clacky sound profile. The sound of these switches is described as low-pitched, which means they have a bass-heavy and mellow tone. They also have a thocky sound, which creates a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Polaris Gray switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. This switch has reduced friction and provides a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch series offers a distinct typing experience with a dry, wispy, and airy feel, thanks to its proprietary material blend. Despite the relatively heavy 62g bottom-out force, these switches are weightless and have a frictionless nature. Typing on the Sea Glass switches produces a uniquely hollow sound signature. Unfortunately, specific details about the sound qualities of the Sea Glass switches are unknown, so we cannot make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. They also have a mild typing experience, similar to the Polaris Gray switches. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches are described as feathery, indicating that they are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch series offer different subjective qualities. The Polaris Gray switches provide a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, while the Sea Glass switches offer a distinct dry and airy feel with a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable and suitable for most users. However, as sound qualities of the Sea Glass switches are unknown, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience and enjoy clean and clacky sound profiles, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy feel that can give you a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a weightless and frictionless nature, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be a fantastic option. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches offer a uniquely hollow sound signature and possess a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Additionally, its frictionless and feathery characteristics provide an effortless typing experience, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Durock Sea Glass switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
