SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options arise: the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Huano Sakura. The Polaris Purple, with its prominent tactile bump, delivers an exhilarating typing experience that many enthusiasts crave, paired with a snappy sound profile that adds to its charm. Its neutral to polished characteristics cater to users who appreciate a more defined feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the Huano Sakura leans toward a linear design, providing a feather-light touch that enhances comfort during prolonged typing sessions, making it an attractive choice for those looking to reduce finger fatigue. While the Sakura's medium acoustics ensure a satisfying yet quieter experience, the Polaris Purple offers a more engaging tactile sensation. Both switches have their unique advantages, but they serve different typing preferences. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Huano Sakura switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles and overall performance. The Polaris Purple features a top housing made from polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and translucency. This combination results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for users seeking a more pronounced auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura employs a POK (polyketone) material, which, while still delivering a smooth and satisfying sound, emphasizes a clackier and perhaps more subdued auditory response than the sharper clarity provided by polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches again diverge, with the Polaris Purple utilizing polycarbonate and the Sakura opting for nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Polaris Purple continues to promote its characteristic clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall auditory clarity. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing in the Huano Sakura produces a deeper, softer sound profile, absorbing sound more effectively and creating a rounded audio experience. Hence, while the sound from the Polaris Purple is likely to be brighter and more pronounced, the Sakura's sound is duller yet fuller due to its nylon housing.
The differences in materials lead to distinct tactile and auditory experiences; however, both switches can be optimized for performance depending on user preferences. If someone is seeking sharper, crisper keystrokes, they might find the Polaris Purple more appealing. Meanwhile, users who prefer a smooth, deeper sound may lean towards the Huano Sakura. Ultimately, for users who want specific characteristics from their switches, the combination of top and bottom housings yield a diverse range of tactile feedback and sound profiles, ensuring that both switches can deliver satisfying performance based on personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Polaris Purple has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sakura switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura switch is significantly lighter overall, offering a more comfortable experience for long typing or gaming sessions. Users who prefer a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience would lean toward the Polaris Purple, whereas those seeking a lighter touch would find the Sakura more suitable. The differences in force contribute to the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch, catering to diverse user preferences.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Polaris Purple a better option for those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress, providing a feeling of depth that some users find preferable. In contrast, the Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers and those looking for quicker response times, as shorter travel distances tend to facilitate faster actuation. While both switches cater to different preferences—one offering a heartier depth and the other a more responsive experience—the Polaris Purple stands out with its longer travel distance compared to the Sakura.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch presents a snappy sound profile that can be both vibrant and clear, providing an engaging auditory experience for typists. Its reasonably neutral characteristics mean that it has a moderate actuation force requirement, making it versatile and suitable for both casual and professional environments. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch offers a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, designed for those who want to focus on long typing sessions without distraction. This suggests that while the Sakura might be quieter and less pronounced than the Polaris Purple, both switches can be effectively used in a variety of settings depending on personal preference. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can also depend greatly on the keyboard itself and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple shines with its distinct tactile bump that provides a thrilling typing experience. The mild response ensures that this switch is approachable for most users while its polished finish delivers smooth key travel, minimizing friction for a refined touch. This combination makes the Polaris Purple very appealing to those who appreciate tactile feedback without overwhelming harshness. Conversely, the details on the feel of the Huano Sakura linear switch are not provided, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in tactile sensation. Linear switches, by nature, are characterized by their smooth actuation without a tactile bump, which means that they can feel significantly different from the Polaris Purple.
Overall, the combination of sound and feel brings distinct personalities to the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Huano Sakura switches. For those who enjoy tactile feedback and a snappy sound, the Polaris Purple stands out as an exciting choice with its polished and mild responsiveness. In contrast, the Sakura switch caters to users seeking a lightweight travel experience that allows for long typing sessions with less auditory distraction. Whether opting for the tactile enjoyment of the Polaris or the smoothness of the Sakura, understanding these qualities ensures that newcomers can find a switch that matches their typing preferences effectively.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and activity. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Polaris Purple is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams provides a satisfying resistance, making it particularly suitable for those who appreciate the tactile bump that signals actuation. This switch is ideal for both typing and gaming, especially if you like a bit more heft while you type. On the other hand, if you find yourself typing for extended periods or prefer a switch that requires less force, the Huano Sakura is designed for comfort and ease. With a feather-light actuation force of 45 grams and a smoother linear feel, it allows for rapid key presses with minimal effort, making it perfect for fast-paced tasks or gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. The Sakura's medium acoustics further support this relaxed typing experience, ensuring you won't become fatigued during long sessions. Ultimately, the choice boils down to your personal taste—whether you lean towards the tactile satisfaction of the Polaris Purple or the effortless glide of the Sakura.
Mentioned in this article
