SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both offer unique features for different preferences. 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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° is also a linear switch, known for its innovative self-padding design that delivers unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. While the Polaris Gray is best for those who enjoy a thocky and polished typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° is perfect for those looking for silent typing with a focus on smoothness and stability. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° may have some similarities in terms of using polycarbonate for their top housing. Both switches are described as having a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the crisper sound of polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Polaris Gray and the Zero Degree 0° utilize clear housing materials, indicating the presence of polycarbonate in their top housing. This allows for a visually appealing design, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the choice of nylon for the Zero Degree 0°'s bottom housing provides a different typing experience compared to the entirely polycarbonate construction of the Polaris Gray. Typing on the Zero Degree 0° may offer a softer and more muted sound due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, as opposed to the clearer and resonant sound produced by polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the Polaris Gray.
When considering the overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials can greatly impact the sound and feel of a switch. The Polaris Gray's consistent use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing will result in a cohesive sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0°'s combination of polycarbonate and nylon may offer a more varied typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch, with an unknown bottom out force. The Polaris Gray provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Zero Degree 0° offers a lighter typing feel with its lower actuation force. Both switches have their advantages, with the Polaris Gray being preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel, and the Zero Degree 0° being favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that the Polaris Gray has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.6 mm of the Zero Degree 0°. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Polaris Gray being on the longer side and the Zero Degree 0° on the shorter side, the difference between them may not be significant for some users. Some may prefer the quicker response time of the shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree 0°, especially gamers, while others may appreciate the more substantial feel of the Polaris Gray's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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, neutral sound profile that is described as thocky, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is not provided, making it difficult to compare directly. However, based on the description of the Zero Degree 0° switch absorbing sound and reducing noise, it may offer a quieter typing experience compared to the Polaris Gray switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound will depend on whether you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone or a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth key travel. This switch is suitable for those who prefer a more balanced and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is not provided, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, considering the Zero Degree 0° switch's innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, it likely offers a stable and smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Gray switch excels in providing a satisfying thocky sound and a polished typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a bouncy and refined feel. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° switch focuses on delivering unparalleled smoothness, stability, and noise reduction, making it suitable for users seeking a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a silent typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize typing feel or sound profile in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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