SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Jerrzi Salt Ice stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying tactile bump during typing, resulting in a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is a linear switch known for its bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch and vibrant feedback. While the Polaris Purple is best suited for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience, the Salt Ice is ideal for users seeking an energetic and responsive feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is clear that both keyboards feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This means that both keyboards will offer a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of both keyboards. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using either the Polaris Purple or the Salt Ice keyboards.
While both keyboards share the same polycarbonate housing materials, differences may arise in terms of the design and overall build quality. The Polaris Purple may have a more sleek and modern design compared to the Salt Ice, which could appeal to users looking for a more visually striking keyboard. On the other hand, the Salt Ice may prioritize durability and functionality over aesthetics, catering to users who value performance over appearance. These differences in design and build quality may influence users' preferences when choosing between the two keyboards.
In terms of functionality, the choice between the Polaris Purple and the Salt Ice may come down to personal preferences in typing experience. Since the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, users may notice a difference in the sound profile and feel depending on which part of the keyboard they interact with. For those who prioritize the sound and feel of bottoming out keys, the bottom housing material may play a more significant role. Conversely, the top housing material may have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, which could be a deciding factor for users with specific preferences in typing feedback.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Polaris Purple has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, with an unknown actuation force, while the Salt Ice offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. This makes the Salt Ice the lighter of the two switches in terms of actuation force. The absence of information on the bottom out force for the Salt Ice means that it's challenging to directly compare the two switches in this regard. Nevertheless, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Salt Ice, while those seeking a more substantial feel may opt for the Polaris Purple. Both switches have their own strengths, and the decision ultimately depends on personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm. The Polaris Purple offers a more traditional and deeper keypress experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Salt Ice provides a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for individuals looking for faster response times and a more sensitive keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Polaris Purple offering a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel, and the Salt Ice providing a shorter travel distance for faster responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and response time.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback to the user. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is described as snappy, adding an auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch stands out with its bright and clacky characteristics, offering a more energetic and responsive typing experience. The sound profile of the Salt Ice switch is not specified, but it is likely to be bright and lively based on its characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. This makes the switch approachable to most users, as it falls in a middle-ground zone in terms of key feel. The Jerrzi Salt Ice switch does not have a specified feel descriptor, but its light touch and vibrant feedback suggest a smooth and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer different qualities in terms of tactile feedback, sound profile, and key feel. Depending on the user's preferences, they can choose between the exhilarating tactile experience of the Polaris Purple or the bright and clacky characteristics of the Salt Ice switch. Both switches are likely to provide a unique typing experience, with the Polaris Purple offering a more tactile feel and snappy sound, while the Salt Ice switch provides a more energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, then the Polaris Purple is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and clacky switch with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, then the Salt Ice may be more suited to your needs. Consider your desired bottom out force and the type of typing experience you are looking for when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing the right switch depends on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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