SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Jwick Splash Brothers 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 Jwick Splash Brothers. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch, known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience and snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers are linear switches, offering a shorter activation and a great typing feel, combined with a creamy sound signature. Both switches fall under the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Mild', but the Polaris Purple is described as 'Polished' while the Splash Brothers are also labeled as 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. These general pointers provide a glimpse into what each switch has to offer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice results in similar sound profiles for both switches, characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tones. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and create visually appealing effects. Therefore, users can expect similar audio and visual experiences when using either of these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the Polaris Purple and the Splash Brothers become apparent. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Splash Brothers utilizes nylon. This distinction leads to variations in sound profiles. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Polaris Purple maintains the same sharp and crisp qualities found in the top housing, resulting in a consistent auditory experience throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Splash Brothers produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast offers users a choice between a more uniform sound experience with the Polaris Purple or a deeper and more resonant sound with the Splash Brothers.
In terms of tactile feedback, the impact of each housing material is distributed between the bottom and top of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it is polycarbonate or nylon, greatly influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Users can expect a more pronounced tactile response from the bottom portion of the keystroke. On the other hand, the top housing, which is the same for both switches, plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the Polaris Purple and the Splash Brothers can be made based on the desired feel and sound during different stages of typing.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can affect typing endurance and the overall typing experience. The Polaris Purple has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the Splash Brothers also has an unavailable actuation force. Therefore, it is difficult to determine a direct comparison in this aspect. However, the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. This signifies that the Polaris Purple will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Splash Brothers may be preferable for those who prefer a lighter switch, enabling them to type for longer durations without fatigue. Ultimately, the weight preference for an individual will determine which switch is suitable, as some may prefer a lighter touch while others may prefer a heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Splash Brothers. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm is preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you value a quicker and more responsive keystroke, the Splash Brothers would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key, the Polaris Purple with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. It's worth noting that both options offer a satisfactory travel distance, ensuring a comfortable typing or gaming 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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
The Polaris Purple is known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to its big tactile bump. The sound profile of these switches is described as snappy. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers linear switches have a shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, resulting in a great typing feel. The sound signature of these switches is described as creamy.
When it comes to sound, both the Polaris Purple and the Splash Brothers have a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also vary based on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Polaris Purple and the Splash Brothers provide a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of both switches are approachable to most users, as their qualities stand in a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Polaris Purple and the Splash Brothers offer subjective qualities that are desirable in different ways. The Polaris Purple provides an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, while the Splash Brothers offer a great typing feel with a creamy sound signature. Their sound profiles are similar, being described as neutral, and they both provide a mild and polished feel. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a exhilarating tactile typing experience and a snappy sound profile, then the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the way to go. It has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a great typing feel and a creamy sound signature, then the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 48 grams, it offers a lighter touch while still maintaining a neutral sound profile. This makes it versatile for different skill levels and usage scenarios.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Splash Brothers, on the other hand, provide a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. These attributes contribute to a more responsive and lively typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as typing force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and typing style.
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