SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Quinn are two popular options worth considering. The Polaris Purple is best known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to its big tactile bump. This switch offers a snappy sound profile and falls into the category of being 'neutral', 'mild', and 'polished'. On the other hand, the Quinn switch stands out with its unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With specially designed nylon housings, each keystroke produces a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The Quinn switch also provides a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump. It falls under a wide range of categories, including 'snappy', 'bassy', 'polished', 'bouncy', 'clacky', 'accented', 'buttery', 'creamy', 'low-pitched', and 'resonant'. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a more resonant sound and is especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Quinn utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the Polaris Purple and the Gateron Quinn exhibit contrasting housing materials, they both offer unique benefits. The polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Purple creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, lending itself well to precise and tactile typing experiences. Moreover, its transparency allows for stunning RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the nylon housing of the Gateron Quinn produces a deeper and fuller sound, offering a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a softer and rounder sound profile. This material is ideal for individuals seeking a quieter and more subtle typing experience.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch performance, the qualities of the bottom housing play a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel. With different top and bottom housings, each switch will have a unique combination of characteristics from both materials, affecting the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, users can expect variations in sound and feel depending on the specific housing materials used in a switch, whether it be the Polaris Purple or the Gateron Quinn.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are some notable differences and similarities in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Purple has an unavailable grams actuation force, while the Quinn has a lighter actuation force of 59 grams. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have the same weight at 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be ideal, as its lower actuation force allows for prolonged typing without fatigue. This switch would be suitable for individuals who frequently use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel when typing.
It's worth noting that both switches have the same bottom out force, meaning that the overall typing experience in terms of resistance when pressing all the way down would be similar. Therefore, if individuals are specifically looking for a consistent bottoming out experience, they can expect similar results from both switches.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference. While the Quinn offers a lighter actuation force for extended typing comfort, the Polaris Purple provides a heavier push for a more satisfying keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is clear that the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Quinn. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Polaris Purple, you will feel a greater distance traveled compared to the Quinn. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Polaris Purple falls within the traditional range, while the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Quinn is slightly shallower. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Quinn, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes may find the longer travel distance of the Polaris Purple more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn 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
The sound profile of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch can be described as snappy, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a deeper, resonant sound profile. The Polaris Purple has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Quinn switch is characterized as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, providing a rich and immersive auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Polaris Purple and Quinn switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience. They offer reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek feel. The Polaris Purple is further described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that would be approachable to most users. The Quinn switch, on the other hand, is described as snappy, giving it a super responsive and lively feel. It is also mentioned that the Quinn switch has a bouncy and accented feedback sensation, adding to its unique tactile experience.
Overall, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Gateron Quinn tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Purple provides a snappy sound profile and a mild, polished feel, while the Quinn switch offers a deeper, resonant sound profile and a snappy, polished, bouncy, and accented feel. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, they can choose the switch that best suits their typing experience. It is worth noting that the switch's sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Gateron Quinn can be suitable options. The Polaris Purple is best known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings.
In terms of sound, the Polaris Purple is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a range of sound profiles, including bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant. This gives you the option to choose a switch that matches your preferred auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Polaris Purple is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. The Quinn, on the other hand, offers various feel descriptors, including snappy, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. These descriptors indicate that the Quinn provides a more responsive and lively typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Gateron Quinn switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a switch with a big tactile bump, a snappy sound profile, and a neutral sound description, the Polaris Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a combination of crisp, light tactility, a deep and immersive sound profile, and a range of feel descriptors, then the Quinn may be the better choice. Consider your typing preferences, auditory preferences, and desired typing experience to make an informed decision.
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