SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches significantly impacts your typing experience. The SP-Star Polaris Purple switch, renowned for its prominent tactile bump, offers an exhilarating typing experience characterized by a snappy sound profile. This switch falls into the categories of 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished,' making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, stands out with its medium weight and all-POM construction, delivering a wonderfully smooth keystroke complemented by a satisfying thocky sound. While the Polaris Purple invites those who relish tactile sensations, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users who prefer a seamless and quieter typing experience. 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
48g
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
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, one can observe significant differences. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which is known for its ability to create a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces higher-pitched tones, contributing to a crisp auditory experience. This quality makes the Polaris Purple particularly adept at enhancing the sound when RGB lighting is utilized, as its clear housing allows for effective light diffusion, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal.
In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is renowned for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile, striking a stark contrast to the high-pitched clarity of polycarbonate. The muted characteristics of POM lend themselves to a unique auditory experience that many users find pleasing, but this may not resonate as well with those who prefer sharper sounds. While both switch designs leverage their respective materials to craft distinct sound signatures, the Sea Salt Smoothie's offering evokes a more subdued ambiance, making it more suitable for users seeking a quieter typing experience.
The differences in sound profile are particularly noteworthy when considering how each switch is constructed. Polymers like polycarbonate and POM interact in ways that can affect the pressing experience. With the Polaris Purple, the consistent polycarbonate materials provide uniformity across both the top and bottom housings, promoting a clean, crisp sound upon key release and bottoming out. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's combination of POM creates a balanced effect, where the resonant characteristics of each housing offset each other. This divergence suggests that although both switches could technically achieve satisfying typing experiences, their auditory signatures and tactile sensations will feel markedly different. Understanding these intricacies aids in selecting a switch that aligns with individual user preferences, whether it be for crisp sounds or a softer auditory backdrop.
Weight
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Purple has an undefined actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy, ideal for users who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it suitable for those who seek a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unspecified, preventing a direct comparison in that area. Overall, the Polaris Purple is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a lighter feel at the actuation point, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Polaris Purple offers a more pronounced depth, which some users may find preferable for a more satisfying tactile feedback. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it requires less travel to register a keypress. In summary, the Polaris Purple is the longer travel switch at 4 mm, delivering a more traditional feel, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is shorter at 3.7 mm, catering to those who prefer a snappier typing 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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a snappy sound profile, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Its neutral sound character ensures that it won't be overly disruptive, making it suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch delivers a "thocky" sound, which many users find satisfying and deeper compared to the higher-pitched sound of the Polaris Purple. The varying sound profiles between these switches can greatly influence the typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the keyboard setup.
When considering feel, the Polaris Purple is notable for its significant tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience, paired with a mild and polished sensation. This combination leads to a typing feel that is both approachable and smooth, allowing users to enjoy a gentle yet responsive action with reduced friction. The Sea Salt Smoothie, however, is known for its exceptional smoothness, particularly due to its medium-weight design and POM construction. While the Sea Salt Smoothie may not have a pronounced tactile bump, its smoothness creates a comfortable and fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Polaris excels with its tactile feedback and snappy sound, creating an engaging typing experience, while the Smoothie provides a thocky sound with a notable focus on smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one enjoys tactile feedback or prioritizes a smoother, linear feel. Both switches, while different, can lead to satisfying typing experiences tailored to individual ergonomic preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying bump that enhances your typing experience, the Polaris Purple is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams provides a sense of assurance that can be particularly rewarding during long typing sessions. The neutral sound profile and mildly polished feel of the Polaris Purple make it versatile for both work and casual use, appealing to a broad range of users, whether you're a beginner or more advanced. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear switch with a subtle, "thocky" sound, especially for gaming or rapid typing, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal. While the details regarding its actuation force and feel are less specific, the emphasis on exceptional smoothness and quality suggests it’s designed for a very refined typing experience. By assessing your typing needs—whether that’s seeking tactile feedback or the luxury of fluid keystrokes—you can make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your mechanical keyboard journey.
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