SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Polaris Gray is perfect for those who prefer a bouncy typing experience. It has a clean and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque strikes a delicate balance, offering a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. Crafted with precision, these switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile forgoes the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. Both switches have their unique advantages, providing users with a choice between bouncy feedback and tranquility with tactility. 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
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 Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches exhibit contrasting qualities. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. This consistency in material ensures a cohesive sound profile throughout the switch. However, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Silent Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound, complementing its nylon top housing. This combination of softer plastics creates a more muffled and rounded sound experience.
While the top and bottom housings differ in material for both switches, each housing material brings unique qualities to their respective switches. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, which will be influenced by the qualities of the particular housing material. When pressing down on the switches, users will experience the impact and resulting sound based on the characteristics of the bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, although the Polaris Gray and WS Silent Tactile have different housing materials, the overall sound experience will be influenced by these materials in different ways.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is important to consider both the actuation force and bottom out force. Unfortunately, the actuation force for both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare in this aspect. However, the bottom out force of the Polaris Gray switch is slightly heavier at 67 grams, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which may be preferable for individuals who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Despite the unknown actuation force, it is likely that both switches offer similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes, as they fall within the medium-heavy weight category for bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have different travel distances. The Polaris Gray has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm on the WS Silent Tactile makes it a popular choice among gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Polaris Gray offers a deeper and more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 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 is known for its clean and clacky sound profile. These low-pitched switches produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed, giving a satisfying "thocky" sound that is deep and rich. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. These switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts that effectively minimize switch sound while still delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. While the sound of the WS Silent Tactile is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, it does not sacrifice the satisfying feedback that comes with tactility. Both switches have a neutral sound profile that makes them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and regardless of whether you use them at home or in a work environment.
Moving on to feel, the Polaris Gray provides a mild and polished typing experience. Its mild characteristics offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel, adding to the overall sleekness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers an invigorating feel. It provides a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The switch is accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Similar to the sound profile, both switches offer a mild typing experience overall, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing session.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Polaris Gray is best known for its clean and clacky sound profile, providing a low-pitched "thocky" sound, while also offering a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile strikes a delicate balance between noise reduction and tactility, producing a muted sound and an invigorating feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience, making them suitable for various users and environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience and a clean, clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these medium-heavy switches offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you work in an office or need a quieter typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. They feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, eliminating the need for silicone dampeners and providing an unrivaled blend of tranquility and tactility. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prioritize a bouncy and clacky sound profile or a silent and tactile typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
