SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often debate between tactile and linear options. The SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch, is praised for its big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience while offering a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), a linear switch, stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, along with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures each keystroke is silky smooth. The Polaris Purple is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) falls under 'Clacky', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'High-pitched'. Understanding these general characteristics can help in deciding which switch suits your typing preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) comes with a POM top housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound with deeper tones that are more muted compared to polycarbonate. This difference in sound profiles suggests that the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound of the switch.
In terms of bottom housings, the SP-Star Polaris Purple also uses polycarbonate, contributing to the sharp, high-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a clear and resonant sound, making a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. This difference in material highlights how bottom housings can alter the sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While the SP-Star Polaris Purple uses polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) combines POM and nylon housings to create a unique and deeper sound profile. Depending on personal preferences, users may prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate or the depth of nylon in their mechanical keyboards. Regardless of the material used, understanding how each housing material affects sound and feel can help users make an informed decision when selecting a switch for their keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we can see a clear distinction in weight. The Polaris Purple has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. In terms of actuation force, the Polaris Purple does not provide a specific weight, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) has an actuation force of 45 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Strawberry Wine (V2) for its lighter bottom out force, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Polaris Purple with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is 4.0 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2). A longer travel distance typically provides a deeper and more satisfying keystroke feel, whereas a shorter travel distance is favored by those seeking quicker responsiveness, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the Polaris Purple offering a deeper press and the Strawberry Wine (V2) providing a slightly quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth versus speed.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a clacky and resonant sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, providing a unique auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle tactile bump and smooth key travel. The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch, on the other hand, provides a silky smooth typing feel due to its impeccable factory lubing, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. Depending on individual preference, users can choose between a more refined and polished typing experience with the Polaris Purple or a silky smooth feel with the Strawberry Wine (V2).
Overall, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics for users to consider when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch. While the Polaris Purple provides a neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a clacky and resonant sound with a silky smooth feel. Whether you prefer a more versatile sound profile or a distinctive auditory experience, both switches have qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to find the perfect match for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a big tactile bump for an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value switches with resonant and clacky notes that also come factory lubed for a silky smooth typing experience, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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