SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer distinct typing experiences. The Polaris Gray is a linear switch that provides a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is a tactile switch known for its smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback, the WS Light Tactile might be the way to go. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is especially beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate.
In terms of sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the WS Light Tactile contributes to a sharp and clear sound that is higher-pitched than other housing materials. Both switches benefit from the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a more resonant sound experience. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. While the Polaris Gray has a polycarbonate bottom housing to complement its top housing qualities, the WS Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing that enhances the switch's sound with a deeper and fuller profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon.
When considering the overall feel and sound of a switch, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role. The split design of having different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a mix of characteristics from each material to affect the overall typing experience. Pressing down on a switch with a nylon bottom housing, such as the WS Light Tactile, will result in a different sensation and sound compared to a switch with a polycarbonate bottom housing, like the Polaris Gray. This distinction is crucial for users seeking a specific sound and feel when typing on their keyboards.
Weight
The SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch have notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the WS Light Tactile is lighter with a bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force of the Polaris Gray is not specified, while the WS Light Tactile requires 45 grams for actuation. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the WS Light Tactile, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness when using either switch. Whether it's the Polaris Gray or the WS Light Tactile, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 provides a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, delivering a smooth and subtle typing sound. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud, making them suitable for various environments such as the office or at home. Ultimately, your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in determining the overall sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Polaris Gray linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a stepped feel with easy-to-press actuation, providing a comfortable and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches offer a pleasant and approachable typing feel, catering to users who prefer a smoother and more subtle tactile feedback during typing sessions.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Polaris Gray switch provides a deeper and more pronounced sound with a gentle and polished feel, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a smoother and more subtle sound with a stepped and easy-to-press feel. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, either of these switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that you can find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams may be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you seek a switch with a light bottom out force of 50 grams, a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, and a neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
