SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Polaris Purple stands out with its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to the big tactile bump that it offers. With a snappy sound profile and a categorization of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is perfect for environments that require quieter typing, as it is a silenced version of the Ink Black switch. It provides a soft and cushion-like bottom-out feel, minimizing audio feedback. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', this switch offers a more subtle and refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision regarding the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, while different in composition, both contribute to creating distinct sound profiles for the switches. The Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While the sound profile may differ, both materials aim to enhance the overall auditory experience of typing.
The bottom housings of the Polaris Purple and Silent Ink Black also differ in material composition. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple contributes to the switch's sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Similar to the top housing, the stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant sound and clearer bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, adding a unique dimension to the switch's auditory experience. The INK blend results in a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While the materials may differ, both bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and tactile feedback of the switches.
It is important to note that the impact of the top and bottom housings of a switch can be felt differently during usage. When pressing down on either the Polaris Purple or the Silent Ink Black, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The characteristics of the bottom housing come into play as the key is fully depressed. On the other hand, when the key is released, the top housing plays a more significant role in determining the sound. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that are a result of the specific qualities brought forth by their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Polaris Purple switch is unknown, while the Silent Ink Black requires a force of 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Purple switch has a medium-heavy force of 67 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier force of 70 grams.
Considering weight, it is worth noting that lighter switches are often preferred by individuals who engage in extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, reducing finger fatigue over time. This makes the Polaris Purple switch potentially suitable for those seeking a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These users might opt for switches with heavier forces, such as the Silent Ink Black, which requires slightly more pressure to bottom out.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Polaris Purple switch is unknown, it can be compared to the 60-gram actuation force of the Silent Ink Black. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Polaris Purple at 67 grams and the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams. This means that while the Silent Ink Black is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, individuals seeking a similar typing experience to the Polaris Purple can get comparable results with the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for lighter or slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, if you were to press down on either of these switches, you would experience the same amount of travel distance. In terms of the switch's tactile feedback, the Polaris Purple has a tactile bump while the Silent Ink Black is a linear switch, meaning it has a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. So while the travel distance is the same for both switches, the typing experience will vary depending on the desired tactile response.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Polaris Purple has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various users and environments. It provides a moderate level of audio feedback without being overly loud or quiet. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is a muted switch that produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It reduces the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those who require a quieter typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Polaris Purple and the Silent Ink Black offer smooth and refined typing experiences. The Polaris Purple is described as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics. Additionally, it is considered to be a polished switch, meaning it has a sleek finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black is also described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, further enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Like the Polaris Purple, the Silent Ink Black is also a polished switch with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Purple provides a snappy sound profile with a exhilarating tactile typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced audio feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a silenced switch that offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, ideal for environments that require quieter typing. Both switches are polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, while the two switches differ in their subjective qualities, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, depending on their personal preferences and usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a tactile typing experience and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Polaris Purple offers a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. The Silent Ink Black also features a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. Both switches have their unique advantages, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment.
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