SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile feedback and smooth operation can significantly impact your typing experience. The SP-Star Polaris Purple switches stand out for their pronounced tactile bump that promises an exhilarating typing sensation, paired with a snappy sound profile that many typists find rewarding. These attributes make the Polaris Purple an excellent option for users who value tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches emphasize a smooth operation coupled with a deep, satisfying sound, resulting in a balanced typing experience that strikes a chord with those who prioritize precision in their keystrokes. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds a layer of versatility for enthusiasts looking to enhance their performance. Both switches serve distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm; 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
38g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and Everglide Rice Pudding switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which inherently contribute to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tonal quality. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, in the top housing allows both switches to maintain clarity and resonance, making them suitable choices for users who favor a vibrant auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent option for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches during use. Thus, users can expect comparable sound characteristics when engaging with the top housing of either switch.
On the flip side, the bottom housings of these two switches differ significantly in composition. The Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, mirroring the sonic properties found in its top counterpart, which provides a cohesive sound profile throughout the switch. In contrast, the Rice Pudding employs a nylon bottom housing, known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer material, which tends to absorb more sound energy. This results in a more muted auditory experience when the key is bottomed out, contrasting with the sharper tones produced by the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. Consequently, the experience of typing on these switches diverges based on the materials used in their lower housings.
Ultimately, the integration of different materials in the bottom housings leads to a unique blend of characteristics for each switch. With the SP-Star Polaris Purple, the consistent use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing results in a balanced sound profile that emphasizes clarity and resonance throughout the keypress. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a more dynamic auditory experience by combining the sharper notes from its polycarbonate top with the softer, rounded tones of its nylon bottom. Users seeking an audibly consistent experience across both the downstroke and release might gravitate toward the Polaris Purple, while those interested in a nuanced sound profile may prefer the Rice Pudding switch for its multidimensional audible footprint.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, a notable distinction lies in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Polaris Purple switch has an unspecified actuation force and a bottom-out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom-out force of 48 grams. Since the actuation force for the Polaris Purple is unknown, we cannot conclude if they will offer similar typing results based on that metric. However, the pronounced difference in bottom-out forces highlights the Rice Pudding switch as the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer a softer touch during long typing sessions, while the Polaris Purple appeals to those who appreciate the more substantial feel of a heavier switch. In summary, if you favor a light feel for extended use, the Rice Pudding switch is the better choice, whereas the Polaris Purple caters to those seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Polaris Purple stands out with its 4 mm travel distance, while the Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Polaris Purple provides a more substantial key press, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, offering a more rapid actuation that some users find advantageous for fast-paced actions. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the Rice Pudding would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a hearty depth in their key presses may prefer the Polaris Purple.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 Purple tactile switch produces a snappy tone that many users find engaging during typing. Its neutral sound profile allows the switch to fit seamlessly into various environments, making it suitable for both home and office use. This moderateness means it won't be off-putting, regardless of whether you're an experienced typist or just starting out. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch delivers a deep sound that can be quite pleasant, offering a satisfying auditory experience that complements its smooth operation. The sound quality of both switches can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choices, which makes their respective sound profiles adaptable to user preferences.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple stands out with its pronounced tactile bump that provides a big, invigorating feedback with each keystroke. It is characterized by a mild typing experience, meaning it is approachable for users of all skill levels. Additionally, the switch has a polished quality that enhances its smoothness, resulting in a pleasant engagement with each key press. On the other hand, the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding is currently less defined in the data available, but it is known for its smooth operation, which may suggest a refined typing experience similar to that provided by the Polaris Purple, though specifics are unknown.
In conclusion, both switches cater to typing enthusiasts but do so in unique ways. The Polaris Purple excels with its exciting tactile feedback and snappy sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. The Rice Pudding switch, with its deep sound and smooth operation, is appealing for those seeking precision and a satisfying auditory quality. While both switches can achieve commendable sound and feel profiles, their individual attributes cater to different preferences, making it essential for newcomers to consider what aspects of a switch they prioritize most in their mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your personal preferences and typing habits will be key factors. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a heavier actuation force, the Polaris Purple is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a snappy sound profile that enhances your typing experience. This switch is perfect for those who like a more engaging tactile sensation, making every keystroke feel satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with smooth operation and a deep, balanced sound, the Rice Pudding switch would be more suited to your needs. Its compatibility with Wooting's keyboards offers great versatility, making it a fantastic choice for gamers and typists who prioritize both performance and comfort. Ultimately, whether you choose the Polaris Purple for its tactile delight or the Rice Pudding for its smoothness will depend on how you prioritize feel, sound, and the specific typing environment in which you will use your keyboard.
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