SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are two options that stand out: the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Polaris Gray is a linear switch that is loved by those who prefer a bouncy typing experience. Its sound profile is clean and clacky, making it a popular choice for users seeking a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. Enthusiasts particularly cherish its delightful auditory experience, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches have their advantages, but 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ in terms of their effects on sound profiles. The Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate plastic enhances clarity and resonance, providing a more defined sound experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the WS Brown incorporates a nylon top and bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon activation.
Although their materials differ, both switches offer unique sound characteristics based on their housing. The split of housing materials in a switch allows for distinct experiences during keypress and key release. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent. The Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes a clear and resonant bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the WS Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sensation. On the other hand, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. The Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top housing aids in creating a sharper and crisper release sound, while the WS Brown's nylon top housing contributes to a softer and rounder release sound.
In summary, the material choices for the top and bottom housing of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches result in contrasting sound profiles. The Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound, enhanced by its stiffness, while the WS Brown's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct experiences during keypress and key release, with their respective housing materials influencing the specific qualities of the sound produced.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Starting with the Polaris Gray, the actuation force is currently unknown, meaning that we cannot determine the specific force required to trigger a keystroke. However, its bottom out force is at 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch also has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is lighter at 55 grams, providing a medium-light resistance.
Considering weight, individuals may have different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer sessions without fatigue, may lean towards the WS Brown switch due to its lighter bottom out force. This would be ideal for individuals bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. Alternatively, some users may desire a stronger and more substantial push feel while typing, in which case they might prefer the Polaris Gray switch with its heavier bottom out force.
Although the precise actuation forces for both switches are unknown, we can assume that they will likely provide similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the difference lies in the bottom out force, with the Polaris Gray being heavier and the WS Brown being lighter. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on an individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Polaris Gray has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Polaris Gray falls into the more traditional range of 4.0 mm, offering a comfortable and well-known depth when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the WS Brown falls slightly shorter at 3.8 mm, which may cater more towards gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes and responsiveness. However, for those who prefer a more substantial travel distance, the Polaris Gray with its 4 mm depth may be the preferred option. It's important to consider personal preference and the desired level of key depth when selecting between these two 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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
The Polaris Gray switch is known for its clean and clacky sound profile. With low-pitched characteristics, these switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound can be described as thocky, offering a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the sound profile of the WS Brown switch is not specifically mentioned, so its characteristics are unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished. These switches offer a gentle typing experience, making them approachable for most users. The mild characteristic indicates a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch provides a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Unfortunately, the feel of the WS Brown switch is not explicitly described, so its specific qualities are unknown.
In conclusion, the Polaris Gray switch offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. It produces a low-pitched and thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. The feel of the switch is mild and polished, offering a safe and approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While information about the sound and feel qualities of the WS Brown switch is missing, it is likely that it will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, without specific details, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a bouncy typing experience and a clean, clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a satisfying and slightly heavier touch. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light touch and a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the WS Brown is the ideal choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a fatigue-free typing experience, making it perfect for extended sessions. Additionally, the WS Brown provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience with its nylon housing and POM stem combination. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences for typing feel and sound when deciding between these two switches.
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