SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both offer unique and appealing features for tactile typists. The Polaris Purple is praised for its exhilarating tactile bump and snappy sound profile, providing a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura stands out for its buttery downstroke and delicate balance of tactility, offering a mild and neutral sound signature with a snappy response. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Polycarbonate is also favored for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a clear and resonant sound when typing on these keyboards.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ between the two keyboards. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience and the sound produced by each keyboard.
Overall, while both keyboards share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The Polaris Purple focuses on maintaining a sharp and clear sound profile throughout the keyboard, while the Purple Sakura aims for a deeper and fuller sound experience with its nylon bottom housing. The qualities of each housing material contribute to the overall sound and typing feel of the keyboards, showcasing the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Polaris Purple has an actuation force of None grams, while the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Purple requires 67 grams, while the Purple Sakura requires 60 grams. This makes the Polaris Purple the heavier option, as it requires more force to activate and bottom out compared to the Purple Sakura. Some users may prefer the Polaris Purple for a more substantial typing experience, while others may opt for the lighter Purple Sakura for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it's clear that the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Purple Sakura's 3.2 mm. The Polaris Purple offers a deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple 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 Purple for $5.00.
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of typing environments. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the overall sound produced, so users may want to consider these factors when deciding between the two switches.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is described as having a buttery, mild, and snappy feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with added responsiveness. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and tactile feedback, with the Purple Sakura leaning more towards a luxurious typing experience.
Overall, while the sound profiles of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches are similar, the feel of typing on each switch differs slightly. Users who prefer a more polished and mild typing experience may lean towards the Polaris Purple, while those seeking a buttery and snappy feel may opt for the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Polaris Purple. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Purple Sakura might be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple is the way to go. However, if you prefer a delicate balance of tactility, a buttery downstroke, and a mild and neutral sound signature, the Purple Sakura would be a better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
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