SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the characteristics of tactile and linear options, with the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g serving as prime examples of each category. The Polaris Purple, celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, promises an exhilarating typing experience that not only delivers satisfaction but also a snappy sound profile that many typists crave. This switch's tactile nature is particularly appealing for users who appreciate clear feedback with each keystroke, ensuring they know precisely when a key has been actuated. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offers a different appeal with its linear design, engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience that resembles raindrops softly tapping against a window. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, these switches are perfect for those who seek a light and smooth keystroke without the auditory distractions. While both switches provide unique benefits tailored to different typing preferences, the choice ultimately rests on the user’s desires for sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts their overall sound profiles and tactile sensations. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of audio feedback when a key is pressed. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference means that users will experience a contrasting auditory experience depending on which switch they are using, with the Polaris Purple delivering a brighter sound and the Silent Sakura providing a more muted, rounded feedback.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting parallel emerges, as both the Polaris Purple and the Silent Sakura - 53g feature polycarbonate materials. This similarity means that, at the bottom of the switches, the sound characteristics are aligned; both switches provide a clearer, sharper sound due to the polycarbonate's inherent properties. Consequently, the bottom-out feedback in both switches will have a consistent auditory clarity that reflects the stiffer nature of polycarbonate regardless of the differences presented by the top housing materials. This shared material in the bottom housing reinforces the idea that while the two switches may produce differing sound profiles overall, they will deliver similar results in the context of bottom-out sounds.
Ultimately, the contrasting housing materials between the Polaris Purple and the Silent Sakura - 53g create a diverse typing experience that is informed by the specific roles each housing plays in sound production. The top housing contributes to the key release sound, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out feel and tone. As a result, users of the Polaris Purple can expect a brighter and sharper auditory experience during key presses, while Silent Sakura users will enjoy a deeper, rounded sound that dampens the noise. Thus, while both switches may cater to different preferences for sound and feel, the shared polycarbonate bottom housing provides a point of similarity that allows for consistent performance in one aspect of their functionality.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we find notable differences in their force characteristics. The Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, while the Silent Sakura features a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. Additionally, the Polaris Purple’s actuation force is not specified, making a direct comparison of that metric impossible. However, the Silent Sakura has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, which means it requires less force to register a keystroke compared to the heavier Polaris switch. This difference in forces means that for users who prefer a lighter touch to reduce fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, the Silent Sakura is the better option. Conversely, users seeking a more substantial typing experience with a firmer press may gravitate towards the Polaris Purple, appreciating its medium-heavy feel. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option while the Polaris Purple, with its unknown actuation force but heavier bottom out, presents a heftier feel.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience similar keystroke responsiveness when pressing down on these switches. This equal travel distance allows for a consistent actuation feel regardless of which switch is used, catering to those who prefer a familiar typing experience. Since both switches provide a travel distance of 4 mm, users can expect comparable feedback and travel characteristics, ensuring that whether they choose the Polaris Purple or the Silent Sakura, they can enjoy similar results in their typing 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 - 53g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 53g for $2.99.
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 audio profile that aligns with its tactile character, creating a pleasantly engaging experience while typing. Its neutral sound is versatile enough for various environments, making it suitable whether at home or in an office setting. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is engineered for near-silent operation, evoking a gentle, almost hypnotic sound akin to raindrops. This switch minimizes auditory disruption, creating a peaceful typing atmosphere that may appeal to users who prefer quiet keystrokes, particularly in shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple is known for its big tactile bump, which provides a clear and exhilarating feedback during typing, making each keystroke distinctly satisfying. Additionally, its mild and polished characteristics contribute to a smooth and refined typing experience. Users can expect a nice balance of tactile feedback without overwhelming interruption, making it approachable for both new and seasoned typists. The Silent Sakura - 53g switch, however, does not have specified feel characteristics available, leaving its tactile sensations unknown.
In summary, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a dynamic auditory and tactile experience, with a pronounced bump and a snappy sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy engagement in their typing. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g provides a serene, whisper-quiet operation, catering to those who prioritize silence during use. While their overall experiences differ significantly, both switches serve specific typing preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump that provides clear feedback as you type, the Polaris Purple is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy force of 67 grams results in a more engaging feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate the tactile response in their typing experience. This switch excels in environments where you aren’t overly concerned about sound since its neutral profile is moderately appealing for various situations, whether working from home or in an office.
On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience and prefer a lighter keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the switch for you. With its 53-gram bottom-out force, this switch delivers a smooth, effortless key press that feels comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it a solid option for low-noise environments like libraries or shared workplaces. The Silent Sakura is perfect if you want to maintain focus without distractions from noisy key presses. Ultimately, consider your priorities—whether it's tactile feedback or sound levels—when deciding between these two distinct switches, as each offers unique benefits tailored to different typing styles.
Mentioned in this article
