SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Jerrzi Seashell 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 Seashell stand out with their unique features. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying typing experience with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Seashell is a linear switch that boasts a stunning purple hue and a light, clacky feel that makes typing enjoyable over long sessions. Both switches have their own strengths - the Polaris Purple for its tactile feedback and the Seashell for its aesthetic appeal and comfortable 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and Jerrzi Seashell both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Seashell's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the overall sound profile of the switch, especially during bottom-out key presses. In contrast, the Seashell's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The split qualities of each housing material contribute to different aspects of the switch's sound and feel, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches like the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Jerrzi Seashell plays a significant role in defining the sound profile and typing experience. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound, especially suitable for RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart, with the Polaris Purple offering a clearer and resonant sound profile due to its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Seashell provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. These variations in housing materials showcase how subtle changes can impact the overall typing experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, there is a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Purple has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke, whereas the Seashell has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier in comparison. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the bottom out force of the Seashell is unknown. This means that the Polaris Purple requires more force to fully press down compared to the Seashell. Ultimately, for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Seashell may be the better option, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Polaris Purple.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is clear that the Seashell has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Polaris Purple's 4 mm travel distance. The Polaris Purple falls into the more traditional range while the Seashell is on the shallower end. Gamers, who prefer faster response times, may lean towards the Seashell due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press may find the Polaris Purple more to their liking. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Seashell offering a quicker response time and the Polaris Purple providing a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell 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 revered for its exhilarating tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump, providing a satisfying feedback to users. In terms of sound, the switch is described as having a neutral profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various users and settings. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch boasts a stunning purple hue and a light, clacky sound profile that is sharp, snappy, and high-pitched, providing a unique auditory experience to users. When it comes to feel, the Polaris Purple is characterized as mild and polished, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and comfortable key travel. The Seashell switch, in contrast, is feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, while both switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, users can expect an enjoyable typing experience with either switch, tailored to their preference for tactile bump and moderate sound in the Polaris Purple or light, clacky feel in the Seashell. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring a delightful typing experience for any keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch or the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a big tactile bump for an exhilarating typing experience, then the Polaris Purple would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a light actuation force, stunning aesthetic appeal, and a light and clacky typing experience that remains comfortable over long sessions, then the Seashell switch would be more suited to your taste. Keep in mind the sound and feel profiles of each switch as well, as they play a significant role in your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what features you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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