SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for those seeking a linear switch experience are the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Outemu Yellow Silver. On one hand, the Polaris Gray is a beloved choice for those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience. These switches offer a clean and clacky sound profile, and their low-pitch, mild, and thocky characteristics make them quite satisfying to use. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu has gained a reputation for its consistently high quality. With a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, these switches are particularly favored by gamers and typists who value speediness and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Outemu Yellow Silver both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both housings are translucent, making them ideal for displaying RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from these two switches. Whether pressing down on keys or releasing them, the top housing's material will impact the sound produced.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a stark contrast between these two switches. The Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate bottom housing, sharing the same stiffness as its top counterpart. This leads to a clear and resonant sound on both the bottom-out and release of keys. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will produce a duller and rounder sound compared to those with polycarbonate bottom housings.
In essence, while the top housings of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Outemu Yellow Silver utilize the same polycarbonate material, their bottom housings differ significantly. The Polaris Gray provides a clear and resonant sound profile on both the bottom-out and release of keys, thanks to its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Yellow Silver elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. It is important to consider these differences when choosing between the two switches, as the bottom housing material will have a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Polaris Gray switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, meaning that the exact force required to trigger a keystroke is not specified. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a relatively light touch is needed to register a keypress. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Gray switch requires 67 grams of force, which can be considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Polaris Gray switch.
Weight plays a significant role in the typing experience, with some individuals preferring a lighter switch to type for longer periods comfortably, especially during work or extended gaming sessions. For these users, the Yellow Silver switch with its lighter actuation force would be suitable. However, others may desire a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel. These individuals would lean towards switches with heavier forces, such as the Polaris Gray switch. It is worth noting that although the exact actuation force of the Polaris Gray switch is unknown, its medium-heavy bottom out force suggests a more robust typing experience compared to the medium-light bottom out force of the Yellow Silver switch. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will determine which switch is the better fit, but both options offer their own unique qualities to cater to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 offers a low-pitched and thocky sound profile. Low-pitched switches tend to have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The deep "thud" or soft "knock" produced by the Polaris Gray switch provides a satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile. Neutral switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. A mild mechanical keyboard switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Polaris Gray switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Reduced friction and smooth key travel can be expected with these switches. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch.
Based on the information provided, it can be concluded that both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer a neutral sound profile. The Polaris Gray switch stands out for its low-pitched and thocky sound, providing a clean and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch is described as neutral without any specific sound characteristics mentioned. In terms of feel, the Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a gentle and sleek key travel. However, there is no available information on the feel of the Yellow Silver switch. Ultimately, if one is looking for a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray switch would be a suitable choice. If a speediness and responsiveness with a neutral sound profile are desired, the Yellow Silver switch would be a good option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel that is suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier switch. The Polaris Gray switch is also described as having a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying typing sound experience. Additionally, it is characterized by a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a medium-light feel that is favorable for gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. The Yellow Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound, making it suitable for various purposes. While there is no specific description for its feel, it offers a moderate actuation force requirement, which ensures a comfortable typing experience for both beginners and advanced users.
Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and Outemu Yellow Silver switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a bouncier, clacky typing experience with a heavier feel, the Polaris Gray switch is the better choice. However, if you prioritize a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver switch is more suitable. Consider your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force when making your decision. In the end, both switches offer their own unique characteristics and can enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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