SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Polaris Gray is a linear switch that provides a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. With a clean and clacky sound profile, it offers a low-pitched and mild feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is also a linear switch but with a focus on offering a quieter typing experience. It is a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is necessary. With a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, it provides a silky and muted typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide which switch suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it's clear that both switches prioritize a sharp and higher-pitched sound profile. However, the Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, while the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both components. This means that both switches aim to achieve a similar sound profile, offering a satisfying thin and high-pitched sound. Additionally, both switches utilize clear housing, making them suitable for RGB lighting.
Considering the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel, it can be expected that the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray and the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black will contribute to a similar quality. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate is likely to provide a clear and resonant sound profile, while the INK blend should offer a relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp or clacky. Both switches seem to prioritize a crisp and impactful bottom-out sound.
On the other hand, the top housing of a switch influences the sound when a key is released. In this aspect, the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Gray is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. It can be assumed that the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black will deliver a pointed and high-pitched sound, similar to the bottom housing. However, it might lack the specific sharpness and crispness that the polycarbonate top housing offers.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Gateron Silent Ink Black have different housing materials, they share a common emphasis on achieving a sharp and high-pitched sound profile. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying thin and clacky sound, with their respective polycarbonate and INK blend materials delivering similar results for the bottom housing. However, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top housing is likely to offer a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are a few noticeable differences. The Polaris Gray's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the Silent Ink Black's 60-gram actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Polaris Gray requiring 67 grams and the Silent Ink Black requiring 70 grams. In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Silent Ink Black with its lower actuation force, allowing for extended typing sessions. However, those seeking a more substantial feel and stronger push may prefer the Polaris Gray's higher bottom out force. Overall, the Polaris Gray can be considered slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force, while the Silent Ink Black offers a slightly lighter typing experience with its lower actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled. Therefore, both switches provide a consistent and uniform typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic leads to a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a satisfying and deep "thocky" sound when pressed. This type of switch is suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed and deeper sound experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch produces a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. This switch is ideal for environments that require minimal noise, such as quiet offices or shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Polaris Gray switch provides a mild typing experience. Its characteristics fall in a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle and approachable feel to most users. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky typing experience. It provides an exceptionally smooth feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Like the Polaris Gray, this switch is also described as polished, ensuring a sleek and frictionless typing experience.
Taking into account all the available information, it is clear that both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer unique and subjective qualities. The Polaris Gray is best suited for those who prefer a bouncy typing experience with a low-pitched, thocky sound. Its feel is mild and polished, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is designed for quieter typing environments and offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Its sound is muted, and the switch provides a silky and polished typing experience. Ultimately, depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience and a clean, clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel. The sound profile of the Polaris Gray is described as low-pitched, neutral, and thocky, giving you a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it also falls into the medium-heavy category. The Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it perfect for environments where noise reduction is important. The sound profile of this switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Gray provides a mild typing experience, suitable for most users. Additionally, its polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky smooth typing experience and also features a polished finish for reduced friction. Both switches excel in providing a sleek and comfortable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch depends on your preferences and requirements. Consider factors such as your desired typing experience, sound profile, and noise sensitivity. Whether you prioritize a bouncy feel and clacky sound or a silent and cushioned typing experience, there is a switch that will suit your needs.
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