SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer unique features and benefits. The Polaris Gray is perfect for those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience, with a clean and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches provide a captivating sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, offering a rich and decadent typing experience. With a medium-weight and a distinct gliding feel, they are suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that appeal to different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Everglide Sunset Yellow keyboards have distinct differences in their sound profiles and overall aesthetics. The Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic material results in a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for greater light diffusion and visibility. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow keyboard utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a unique, deeper sound that is relatively more muted. While not as transparent as polycarbonate, POM still offers a visually pleasing appearance.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate, similar to its top housing. This choice enhances the switch's overall sound profile, providing a sharp, crisp, and high-pitched tone. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate contribute to a clear and resonant bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow's bottom housing is made of POM, resulting in a more muffled and deeper sound. This material imparts a unique acoustic experience, making typing on the Sunset Yellow keyboard a distinct sensory experience.
When comparing the two keyboards, it is evident that the top and bottom housing materials play a pivotal role in the sound and feel of typing. Although both keyboards feature a similar polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their overall sound profiles due to the usage of different bottom housing materials. The Polaris Gray's overall sound profile leans towards sharp and crisp tones, while the Sunset Yellow has a deeper and relatively more muted sound. However, both keyboards offer distinct acoustic experiences that enhance the typing experience. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of the Polaris Gray or the unique depth of the Sunset Yellow, both keyboards showcase the impact of housing materials on overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Polaris Gray has an unavailable actuation force, while the Sunset Yellow requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Gray is heavier with 67 grams, whereas the Sunset Yellow is lighter with 51 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sunset Yellow would be the preferred choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Polaris Gray, as it offers a heavier bottom out force. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a stronger push feel during typing.
It is important to consider the weight of a switch based on personal preferences and specific use cases. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier force, both the Polaris Gray and the Sunset Yellow offer options catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Polaris Gray offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow. 4.0 mm is considered to be the more traditional travel distance, providing a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Sunset Yellow is shallower, which can be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. While both switches offer different travel distances, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, you may lean towards the Sunset Yellow with its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Polaris Gray with its longer travel distance may be the better choice for you.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The switch produces a satisfying "thocky" sound, delivering a deep and rich sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. The sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant and indulgent typing experience, but with slightly different sound characteristics. Depending on your preference for a more bouncy and clean sound (Polaris Gray) or a captivating sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding (Sunset Yellow), you can achieve similar results in terms of sound quality.
Moving on to feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. With its gentle characteristics, the switch provides a safe and approachable feel suitable for most users. Additionally, the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This contributes to a sleek and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a creamy and frictionless feel. The switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Similar to the Polaris Gray, the Sunset Yellow switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches deliver a pleasing tactile experience, with the Sunset Yellow offering a slightly more silky sensation.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer distinct but equally enjoyable qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Gray provides a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, while the Sunset Yellow offers a captivating sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. Both switches have unique characteristics that elevate the typing experience, with the Polaris Gray having a mild and polished feel, and the Sunset Yellow offering a creamy and frictionless sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences, as they can provide similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a bouncy typing experience and a clean, clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray is a great choice. It offers a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic. In terms of feel, it provides a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding and a rich, bassy sound, the Sunset Yellow switches are worth considering. They offer a bassy and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, they provide a creamy and frictionless typing experience, where your fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The POM stem and factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel and a highly responsive typing experience.
Ultimately, the Polaris Gray switches are suitable for those who prefer a bouncy typing experience and a clean, clacky sound, along with a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches are ideal for those who enjoy a captivating, bassy sound, along with a creamy and frictionless feel. Consider your preferences and desired typing experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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