SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Durock Sea Glass are both compelling options that offer unique typing experiences. The Polaris Purple switch is best known for its exhilarating tactile bump, providing a satisfying and tactile typing sensation. Additionally, the snappy sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series from Durock stands out with its captivating pastel colors and distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and effortless to press, offering a frictionless typing experience. The hollow sound signature they produce adds a unique element to typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Durock Sea Glass switches have distinct differences. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards a brighter tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Polaris Purple uses polycarbonate, which again contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer plastic of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. Although not specifically described, it can be inferred that this blend might provide a different sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's bottom housing.
While the two switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, it is important to note that the characteristics of each housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of the switch accordingly. The bottom housing's properties will be more noticeable when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and sensation. Conversely, the top housing's qualities will come into play when releasing a key, influencing the sound produced when the key bounces back. Therefore, the distinction in housing materials between the Polaris Purple and the Sea Glass switch ensures that users can experience varying sound profiles and tactile feedback throughout their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences. The Polaris Purple has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Sea Glass, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Purple requires 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Sea Glass which requires 62 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sea Glass with its lower actuation and bottom out force. This lighter feel can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or long gaming periods. On the contrary, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Polaris Purple. Although the actuation force for the Polaris Purple is unknown, its higher bottom out force suggests a stronger push feel, offering a more robust typing experience.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches exhibit differences, with the Sea Glass being slightly lighter in both aspects. However, without knowledge of the actuation force for the Polaris Purple, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison between the two. Nevertheless, those desiring a lighter typing experience may find similarity in the Sea Glass, while individuals seeking a heavier, more substantial feel may opt for the Polaris Purple.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Polaris Purple falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a solid depth of 4.0 mm. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both options offer a satisfactory distance for key presses, it is important to consider personal preference and use-case scenarios. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Polaris Purple with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and requirements.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is described as "snappy," which suggests a satisfying and responsive sound when typing. On the other hand, the sound signature of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is described as "uniquely hollow." This indicates that when typing on Sea Glass switches, you can expect a distinct and airy sound quality. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Polaris Purple is classified as a "mild" switch, offering a gentle typing experience. It is also described as "polished," which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This provides a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch is described as "frictionless," offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. It is also categorized as a "mild" switch, meaning its feel will be approachable and suitable for most users. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is described as "feathery," which suggests it requires very little exertion from the fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Taking all the available information into account, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Polaris Purple provides an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Its mild and polished feel ensures a comfortable and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its pastel colors and unique hollow sound signature. These switches offer a frictionless and featherweight typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. While they differ in certain aspects, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing unique qualities. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can choose between the Polaris Purple for a tactile and mild experience or the Sea Glass for a smooth and effortless typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is a great choice. It offers a thrilling tactile typing experience with its big tactile bump. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique hollow sound signature, the Durock Sea Glass is a fantastic option. These switches have a weightlessness that defies expectations and provide a smooth, frictionless typing experience. They also come in a captivating selection of pastel colors. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for a tactile or linear switch and the specific qualities you are looking for in terms of sound and feel.
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