SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Polaris Gray is favored by those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience and appreciate clean and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is perfect for those seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring. Typing on these Shadow switches produces deep, resonating thocks. While these general pointers already provide some insight into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring are both made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches feature clear housings due to the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual appeal from both switches.
However, if we consider the difference in the placement of the polycarbonate material, we start to see variations in the overall switch experience. The Polaris Gray has polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, which means its sound and feel will be influenced by the qualities of polycarbonate in both parts. When pressing down on the Polaris Gray, the impact and sound will be heavily influenced by the bottom housing, while the release of the key will be influenced by the qualities of the top housing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring also features polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, meaning that both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound upon key release, will be affected by the properties of the polycarbonate.
In summary, while the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring are made of the same polycarbonate, the placement of the material within the switches differs. This results in variations in the sound and feel of the switches. Whether it's the Polaris Gray's split between the bottom and top housing impact or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's influence on both bottom-out and release, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect similar results from the polycarbonate material, but the specific placement within the switches creates their distinctive characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Polaris Gray has an actuation force that is unavailable in grams, whereas the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires 55 grams of force for actuation. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Polaris Gray requiring 67 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requiring 63 grams.
In terms of weight, the Polaris Gray is heavier in terms of bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions.
Considering one's preference and typing style is crucial when deciding which switch to choose. Those who favor a stronger push feel may lean towards the Polaris Gray, while those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. However, both switches offer a medium actuation force and a relatively similar bottom out force, ensuring that regardless of the choice, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing performance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance when using either of these switches.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 is known for its clean and clacky sound profile. These switches produce a low-pitched sound, which means they have a deep and mellow tone. They also have a thocky sound, providing a satisfying and resonating "thud" when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a clacky sound profile that is sharp, crisp, and percussive. These switches produce a high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and crisp tone when pressed. Overall, the Polaris Gray has a more low-pitched and thocky sound profile, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a clacky and high-pitched sound.
When it comes to feel, the Polaris Gray linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. These switches have a gentle tactile feedback, making them suitable for most typists. They also have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a sharp and accented tactility. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, offering high feedback intensity with every keypress. These switches are also snappy, thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, they are bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation with a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is also described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, the Polaris Gray offers a mild and polished feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is best known for its low-pitched and thocky sound, as well as its mild and polished feel. It offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback. It is perfect for those seeking a tactile switch with medium-high tactility. While they have different sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer unique qualities that can be appealing to different preferences. If you enjoy the bouncy and clean sound of the Polaris Gray, you may find a similar experience with the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, as they both have a clacky sound profile. Similarly, if you appreciate the mild and polished feel of the Polaris Gray, you might enjoy the sharp and accented tactility of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound, then the Polaris Gray switch is the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thock sound, then the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the perfect option. Additionally, take into account the feel of the switches. If you prefer a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, go for the Polaris Gray switch. However, if you prefer a sharp, accented, and snappy feel with a spring-like rebound sensation, then the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the ideal choice. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when selecting the most suitable switch for you.
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