SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Kailh Sage. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that is best known for its exhilarating typing experience, thanks to its big tactile bump. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is snappy, making it a satisfying option for those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that offers a distinct typing experience. With a heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Sage provides a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback. Categorized as invigorating, sharp, and crunchy, the Sage switch is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced click sound. However, beyond these generalities, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Kailh Sage share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. With the top housing playing a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, both the Polaris Purple and the Sage will provide similar results in terms of sound characteristics when it comes to key release.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which again contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, typing on the Sage will elicit a different sound compared to the Polaris Purple.
Due to the difference in bottom housing material, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will vary between the Polaris Purple and the Kailh Sage. Pressing down on the switch will reveal the qualities of the bottom housing, with the Sage providing a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon housing, while the Polaris Purple will have a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate housing. If the sound and feel during key release are more important to you, both switches will offer similar results, thanks to their shared polycarbonate top housing. However, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming-out, the Sage's nylon bottom housing would be the more appealing choice.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the exact measurement for both switches is unavailable. However, we can assume that they are quite similar since they fall under the same category. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Polaris Purple requires 67 grams of force, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the Sage necessitates slightly more at 70 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range.
For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches offer a comparable level of actuation force, though the exact measurement remains unknown. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of typing and is ideal for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or during lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals seeking a more substantial and satisfying keystroke, a heavier push might be preferred. In this case, the Polaris Purple with its bottom out force of 67 grams provides a slightly lighter option, whereas the Sage, with its 70 grams of bottom out force, offers a slightly heavier option.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Those who prioritize a lighter feel and extended typing sessions may find either switch suitable, as their actuation forces are likely to be similar. On the contrary, for those who crave a heavier and more pronounced typing experience, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Kailh Sage switch may be the preferred choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Sage's 3.6 mm. The Polaris Purple falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper keypress feel. Meanwhile, the Sage offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Sage allows for quicker actuation, making it a popular choice among gamers. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress and find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, the Polaris Purple would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is best known for its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience. The sound profile is described as snappy, giving a neutral sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The feel of the Polaris Purple is mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its distinct clicky typing experience. The weight of the Sage switch is quite heavy, providing a refreshing sharp clickiness. The sound profile of the Sage switch is described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves.
Based on the available information, the Polaris Purple and Sage switches offer different subjective qualities. The Polaris Purple provides a tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, while the Sage offers a heavy and refreshing clicky typing experience with a crunchy sound.
However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, the Polaris Purple switch may provide a comparable feel to the Sage switch. Both switches offer a pronounced tactile feedback, but the Polaris Purple has a more mild and polished feel compared to the invigorating and sharp feel of the Sage. Additionally, the sound profile of the Polaris Purple is more neutral, while the Sage has a distinct crunchy sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for the specific qualities desired in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Purple would be an excellent choice. These switches provide a exhilarating tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump. The sound profile is described as snappy and the switch is considered to have a neutral sound. In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple offers a mild and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Kailh Sage would be a great option. These switches offer a distinct clicky typing experience with a refreshing sharp clickiness. The sound profile is described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. In terms of feel, the Sage offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress.
Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Kailh Sage comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a neutral sound, the Polaris Purple is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a clicky switch with a crunchy sound and a snappy, reactive feel, the Sage would be the way to go. Consider your typing preferences and choose accordingly.
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