SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that fits your typing style, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g highlight two distinct approaches. The Polaris Purple is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating tactile typing experience accompanied by a snappy sound profile. This switch is ideal for typists who thrive on feedback, as it offers a well-defined sensation that enhances typing accuracy and satisfaction. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g embraces a completely different philosophy; it is designed for those who seek a whisper-quiet experience, featuring an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that caters to light typists. The soft actuation of the Silent Sakura allows for a serene environment, making it perfect for shared workspaces or late-night coding sessions. Each switch has its own unique advantages depending on one's preference for tactile feedback or sound dampening. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, notable distinctions arise, particularly in their top housing materials. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which accentuates sound clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g incorporates a nylon top housing, celebrated for delivering a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference arises because nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound more effectively, yielding a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Polaris Purple excels in clarity and brightness, the Silent Sakura leans towards a warmer, muted sound, targeting distinctive preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
While the top housing materials present a contrast, the bottom housing of both switches aligns with polycarbonate. The Polaris Purple uses polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sound profile that emphasizes sharpness and clarity across the entire switch. In the case of the Silent Sakura - 43g, the bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, ensuring that the sharp, resonant qualities are preserved when the switch is bottomed out. This alignment in bottom housing material means that both switches will generate a similar crisp sound during the actuation phase of the keypress, leading to a pronounced auditory feedback that many users find satisfying.
Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in each switch contributes significantly to the overall user experience. The Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top delivers clarity during release, while its polycarbonate bottom ensures a consistent, bright sound when bottomed out. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g's nylon top contributes to a fuller sound when pressed but retains the crispness of polycarbonate in the bottom. This contrasting approach to the top housing materials results in distinguished auditory profiles, allowing users to select a switch that aligns perfectly with their desired sound aesthetics and typing experience. Thus, users of both switches can expect vivid auditory feedback, albeit through different tonal qualities shaped by the respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there is a significant difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Purple has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy and generally suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is much lighter, featuring an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to users who favor prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming due to its lighter touch. Given these metrics, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Polaris Purple is the heavier choice, making them suitable for different user preferences depending on the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this regard. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of key travel from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback during typing or gaming. Since both switches feature an equal travel distance, users can expect a consistent and uniform feel across both options, allowing for a comparable 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 tactile switch offers a snappy profile that is both engaging and moderate. This means it strikes a balance between being satisfying to type on without being overwhelmingly loud, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is crafted for those who prioritize quietness, with a sound profile that resembles the soft pitter-patter of raindrops. This subtle auditory presence is ideal for light typists who prefer a serene and unobtrusive typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switches deliver a robust tactile experience, thanks to their pronounced bump that creates a more exhilarating typing sensation. The mild and polished characteristics of these switches result in smooth key travel, making them approachable for most users. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on delivering an ultra-light feel with a low actuation force of 43g, catering specifically to those who prefer a lighter touch. This switch may not provide the tactile feedback that the Polaris Purple offers, making it better suited for those who enjoy a smoother linearly traveling experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch offer unique subjective qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Polaris Purple stands out with its engaging tactile bump and balanced sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate feedback while typing. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quiet and light touch, perfect for those seeking a peaceful environment. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor tactile engagement or whisper-quiet keystrokes.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering your choice between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, think about the typing experience you desire and your environment. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances your typing rhythm and enjoy a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple will likely be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy 67g actuation force makes it suitable for those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke while providing a lively and engaging typing feel. On the other hand, if you work or game in a shared space where noise is a concern, the Silent Sakura - 43g is an excellent choice, boasting an ultra-light 43g bottom out force and whisper-quiet operation, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in tactile feedback, the importance of noise level, and the types of activities you engage in most frequently.
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