SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two switches that stand out are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, both being tactile switches. The Polaris Purple is widely praised for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to its prominent bump. Its sound profile is described as snappy, and it falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a medium level of tactility, making it a popular choice for those seeking a tactile switch. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides an approachable tactility when typing. Additionally, it boasts a deep and thocky sound profile. Categorized as 'Bouncy', this switch offers a different feel compared to the Polaris Purple. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision 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
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will have similar sound profiles, characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for both switches, particularly if RGB lighting is utilized.
While the overall qualities and characteristics of the housing materials are the same for both switches, the distribution of these qualities differs between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, when pressing down on the SP-Star Polaris Purple or the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent.
On the other hand, the top housing primarily affects the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that the sound profile when lifting a key will vary slightly between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, as the top housing materials differ. However, the impact on sound is relatively minor compared to the bottom housing, and overall, the switches will still produce similar results.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Purple's actuation force is unspecified, making it hard to directly compare to the Shadow (Ink)'s 48 grams actuation force. However, the Polaris Purple does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls within the medium-light range.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Shadow (Ink) with its lower actuation force. This lighter force allows for longer typing periods, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress, the Polaris Purple's higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience.
Although the actuation force of the Polaris Purple is unknown, it is likely that it falls within a range similar to the actuation force of the Shadow (Ink). This means that users can expect a similar level of sensitivity when triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Polaris Purple offering a heavier and more substantial feel while the Shadow (Ink) provides a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm of travel. This makes them equal in terms of the distance you feel when using them. Therefore, whether you choose the Polaris Purple or the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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) Single 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) Single 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 Polaris Purple switch is known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to its big tactile bump. It also produces a snappy sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing a very approachable tactility with lower actuation and bottom-out force. It also features a deep and thocky sound profile.
In terms of sound, the Polaris Purple switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most users at home or work. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is unknown how it compares to the Polaris Purple in terms of sound. However, it's 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 switch offers a mild typing experience, making it more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through either materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed.
In conclusion, the Polaris Purple switch offers an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Its feel is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and sleek typing experience. The Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch, on the other hand, offers a medium level of tactility and features a deep and thocky sound profile. Its feel is described as bouncy, giving the keys a lively and rebounding sensation. While the sound profile and precise feel of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch are not specified, based on the available information, it can be expected to provide similar results to the Polaris Purple switch in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a big tactile bump, the SP-Star Polaris Purple would be your best choice. It offers an exhilarating tactile typing experience and a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a medium level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is highly recommended. With a lower actuation and bottom-out force, it provides a very approachable tactility and features a deep and thocky sound profile. Overall, the Polaris Purple is more suitable for those who prefer a mild and polished typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is perfect for those who enjoy a bouncy and lively feel when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for force, tactility, sound, and feel.
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