SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices worth comparing and contrasting are the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches. The Polaris Gray switches are perfect for those who prefer a bouncy typing experience, providing a clean and clacky sound profile. In terms of sound, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque elevate your office and work experience. These switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, reducing switch noise while maintaining exceptional responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. They offer a distinct typing experience devoid of the usual cushioned sensation, blending tranquility and precision seamlessly. So, why choose one over the other? Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear uses a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics and sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Gray allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard's appearance. Its stiffer nature also contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile when keys are released. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing offers a more subdued appearance, but provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when keys are pressed down.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches feature the same materials as their respective top housings. This means that the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing and the WS Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing share similar properties as their corresponding top materials. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. Therefore, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing would contribute to a sharper and more resonant sound upon pressing down, while the WS Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing would produce a deeper and fuller sound.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes down to personal preference for sound profile and aesthetics. The Polaris Gray with its polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for those looking for a clear and crisp typing experience with the added benefit of RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Linear's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for users who prefer a more mellow and subdued typing sound.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to compare them directly in this aspect. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Gray requires 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the WS Silent Linear requires 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the WS Silent Linear, as it allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Polaris Gray, which has a heavier bottom out force. This heavier force can provide a stronger push feeling, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation forces of both switches are unknown, the Polaris Gray is known to have a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the WS Silent Linear. This difference in force can influence the typing feel and experience, allowing users to choose between a lighter or heavier switch depending on their preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch are noticeably different. The Polaris Gray has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls into the more traditional range. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Polaris Gray offers a slightly deeper travel distance, providing a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a hearty depth. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear offers a shallower travel distance, which is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter or longer 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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is known for having a low-pitched and thocky sound profile. These switches produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch offers a more subdued and muted sound. These switches prioritize reducing switch noise and produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. While the sound qualities of both switches differ, they both have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps. Therefore, it's recommended to consider these aspects when selecting your preferred switch to achieve the desired sound experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Polaris Gray and WS Silent Linear switches offer a mild typing experience. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as their qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and possible factory lubing, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch does not have a specific description regarding its feel, but it can be assumed to provide a similarly mild and comfortable typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer a smooth and polished feel to your keystrokes, the Polaris Gray switch may be a better choice.
Overall, the Polaris Gray linear switch and the WS Silent Linear linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and have similar mild typing experiences. The Polaris Gray switch produces a low-pitched and thocky sound, while the WS Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued and muted sound. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various use cases. In terms of feel, both switches provide a gentle typing experience, with the Polaris Gray switch described as polished, offering a smooth and refined feel. If you prioritize a bouncy typing experience with a clacky sound, the Polaris Gray switch may be your preferred choice. However, if you prefer a more tranquil and quiet typing experience, the WS Silent Linear switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and usage requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a bouncy typing experience and enjoys a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience. The sound produced by the Polaris Gray switches is described as low-pitched, neutral, and thocky, offering a deep and satisfying tone when pressed.
On the other hand, if you are looking to elevate your office and work experience with a more tranquil and precise typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is the way to go. These switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to reduce switch noise and deliver unparalleled responsiveness. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the WS Silent Linear switches offer a satisfying bottom-out without sacrificing tranquility. The sound produced by these switches is described as neutral, muted, and subdued, creating a softer and quieter typing experience.
Both switches provide a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. However, if you prefer a polished and smooth typing experience, the Polaris Gray might be more suitable for you, while the WS Silent Linear focuses more on delivering a tranquil and precise typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you are looking for. Whether you prioritize bounciness, clackiness, and a low-pitched sound or tranquility, precision, and a muted sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs.
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