SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Polaris Gray and Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and advantages. The Polaris Gray is renowned for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. With a low-pitched and mild feel, these switches provide a polished and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a delightful typing experience. Equipped with a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke. They strike a balance with their easy-to-press and buttery characteristics, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive deeper into their specifications to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switch. Additionally, its translucency is beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through the switch.
However, there may be subtle differences between the two switches due to the distribution of the housing materials. If the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while they may share the same housing materials, the specific qualities experienced during use may vary between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue.
In summary, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both employ polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, resulting in similar sound profiles characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts. However, the distribution of the housing materials may lead to subtle differences in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will impact the sound upon key release. Despite these distinctions, both switches promise quality and enhanced auditory feedback for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. However, the actuation force differs between the two switches. The Polaris Gray's actuation force is listed as unavailable, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Polaris Gray.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue switch, as its lower actuation force allows for smoother and potentially longer typing sessions. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals who require extended typing periods for work or indulge in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial and pronounced push feel during typing might prefer the Polaris Gray switch, as it likely requires a stronger actuation force, albeit the specific grams not being disclosed.
In summary, while both switches have the same bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue provides a slightly lighter actuation force than the Polaris Gray. Thus, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Tourmaline Blue switch, while those desiring a heavier and more tactile typing experience might lean towards the Polaris Gray switch.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch are both 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 the sound of the switches, the SP-Star Polaris Gray offers a clean and clacky sound profile. These switches have a low-pitched tone, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Polaris Gray is described as having a thocky sound when pressed, producing a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is noted for its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing the user in a satisfying typing experience. The Tourmaline Blue is categorized as having a neutral sound, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic means that these switches provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Polaris Gray is considered polished, which results in a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is described as having a buttery and easy-to-press feel. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Tourmaline Blue also has an easy-to-press attribute, requiring minimal force to activate the keys, enhancing the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similar to the Polaris Gray, the Tourmaline Blue is also classified as having a mild typing experience.
Based on the available information, it is clear that both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches provide a satisfactory sound and feel for typing. The Polaris Gray offers a clean and clacky sound, with a low-pitched and thocky profile, paired with a mild and polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound, with a neutral profile, and a buttery and easy-to-press feel, alongside a mild typing experience. If you are seeking a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound, with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking. If you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, then the Polaris Gray switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, along with a balanced spring weight that caters to a wide range of users, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be more suitable. Both switches have a similar bottom out force of 67 grams, making them medium-heavy. However, the Polaris Gray switch is described as having a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so make your choice based on the sound profile and typing feel that appeals to you the most. Overall, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you desire.
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