SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Polaris Purple is renowned for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to its big tactile bump. Additionally, it offers a snappy sound profile, making each keystroke feel satisfying. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a medium-high level of tactility, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tactile switch. Its unique two-staged spring adds to its tactility, resulting in deep and resonating thocks while typing. Although these general points give a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, delving deeper will help you make a more informed decision on which switch is best suited to your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, specifically their polycarbonate top and bottom housings, share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This stiffness creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that feature RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and enhance the overall aesthetics.
Despite these similarities, if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, such as in the case of the Polaris Purple and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it can result in a noticeable difference in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, depending on the specific combination of materials used in the top and bottom housings, users may experience variations in the tactile feedback and sound produced by these switches.
In summary, both the Polaris Purple and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilize polycarbonate housing materials, creating a similar sharp and crisp sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those wishing to showcase RGB lighting. However, differences in the top and bottom housing materials may result in variations in the typing experience, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Nonetheless, users can expect comparable outcomes in terms of the overall sound and feel of these switches due to their shared polycarbonate construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Polaris Purple has an actuation force that is unavailable, making it difficult to determine. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Shadow (Ink) requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Polaris Purple, assuming its actuation force is higher.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a slightly lower bottom out force of 63 grams, which is categorized as medium. This indicates that the Polaris Purple requires a slightly heavier force to fully press down compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
Considering weight preferences, some individuals may value lighter switches as they allow for longer typing sessions, which is beneficial for work or lengthy gaming sessions. In this regard, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's lighter actuation force of 55 grams could be favored for extended periods of use.
On the contrary, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer switches with heavier forces. While the difference between the bottom out forces of the Polaris Purple and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is quite small, with the Polaris Purple being slightly heavier at 67 grams, it could still provide a more substantial push feel for those who prefer it.
In summary, the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switches differ in terms of weight. The Polaris Purple's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly with the Shadow (Ink). However, the Shadow (Ink) requires a lighter touch for actuation. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Purple is slightly heavier than the Shadow (Ink), providing a potentially more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback, allowing users to feel the switch travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Whether it's typing or gaming, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the travel distance provided by these switches.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 best known for its big tactile bump, which provides an exhilarating typing experience. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is described as snappy. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a medium-high level of tactility, thanks to its long, two-staged spring. When typing on the Shadow switches, deep, resonating thocks can be heard.
Comparing the sound of the two switches, the Polaris Purple is categorized as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. The sound produced is sharp, snappy, and crisp. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the Shadow switch would be a good choice.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Polaris Purple provides a mild and polished typing experience. The switch has a gentle tactile feel, suitable for most users, and offers reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch has a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel. Its tactile bump is distinct and provides a strong and crisp feedback intensity. The keys have a lively feel and provide rebound when pressed, thanks to the longer and dual-staged springs.
In conclusion, the Polaris Purple and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer different subjective qualities. The Polaris Purple provides a neutral sound profile, a mild feel with a polished finish, and a big tactile bump for an exhilarating typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, a sharp and distinct tactile feel, and features such as snappiness, bounciness, and stepping. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a big tactile bump for an exhilarating typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is the ideal choice for you. It has a snappy sound profile and offers a mild and polished feel, providing a safe and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is perfect. It offers deep, resonating thocks when typing and has several descriptors such as clacky, high-pitched, sharp, accented, snappy, and stepped, making it a versatile choice for those who enjoy a range of tactile experiences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for force, tactility, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
