SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Everglide Sunset Yellow offer distinct features that appeal to different types of users. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that provides an exhilarating typing experience with its prominent tactile bump. It has a snappy sound profile and falls into the neutral, mild, polished category. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow is a linear switch known for its captivating sound profile resembling the collision of mahjong tiles. With a rich and bassy sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. Its medium weight makes it suitable for a wide range of users, and the POM stem and proprietary factory lube method give it a distinct gliding feel. The Sunset Yellow falls into the bassy, creamy, frictionless, polished, thocky category. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on the keyboard switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic resonates more clearly, enhancing the overall sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate offers the benefit of translucency, making it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow features POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housing, producing a deeper and relatively more muted sound. The POM material lends a unique and pleasing sound profile that distinguishes it from the Polaris Purple.

Despite their differences, both the Polaris Purple and the Sunset Yellow share the characteristic of providing a pleasing sound experience. While the Polaris Purple offers a crisper and more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate housing, the Sunset Yellow delivers a deeper and more subtly muted sound with its POM housing. Depending on personal preference, either option can create an enjoyable typing experience.

It's worth noting that when the top and bottom housings differ within a switch, their respective characteristics are divided between the bottom-out sound and the key release sound. Pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the sound and feel upon bottoming out. Conversely, the top housing will have a more significant influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, understanding the housing materials can help users decide on the desired sound profile for their typing experience. Whether choosing the Polaris Purple or the Sunset Yellow, both switches offer distinct and unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall enjoyment of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, some noticeable differences arise. The Polaris Purple switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to directly compare to the Sunset Yellow's actuation force of 43 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Polaris Purple requiring 67 grams and the Sunset Yellow requiring 51 grams.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer lighter switches may find the Sunset Yellow more appealing for extended typing or gaming sessions. The actuation force of 43 grams in the Sunset Yellow provides a lighter touch for triggering keystrokes, potentially reducing strain during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's unavailable actuation force, though unknown, may offer a different typing experience that caters to those seeking a stronger push feel. This heavier actuation force may result in a more substantial typing experience, appealing to individuals desiring a more responsive and tactile feedback.

While the bottom out force of the Polaris Purple is heavier at 67 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams, it is important to note that bottoming out only occurs when pressing a key all the way down. Therefore, if users do not typically bottom out while typing or gaming, the difference in bottom out forces may not have a significant impact on their experience. However, those who tend to bottom out heavily may find the Polaris Purple to provide a more satisfying and solid keystroke feel.

In summary, the Polaris Purple and Sunset Yellow switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Sunset Yellow is lighter in terms of actuation force, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch and extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Purple offers a heavier actuation force (exact value unknown), potentially providing a more substantial and responsive typing experience. Both switches exhibit similar bottom out forces, with the Polaris Purple being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for weight and typing experience.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Polaris Purple's 4.0mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's 3.2 mm travel distance is shallower, appealing to gamers who prioritize faster response times. If responsiveness is your priority, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow is the ideal choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of 4 mm offered by the Polaris Purple would be the preferred option. Ultimately, personal preference and specific needs will determine which switch is a better fit for each individual's typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer different experiences. The Polaris Purple has a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most purposes and users, whether beginner or advanced, and whether using it at home or work. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches have a bassy sound profile. They offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, they are described as thocky, producing a deep, satisfying sound when pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. Being a mild switch, it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Additionally, being a polished switch, it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Reduced friction and smooth key travel can be expected. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience. The creamy sensation is achieved by either factory lubing applied to the switch or specific materials used, resulting in a smooth and buttery typing experience. The keys effortlessly melt into each keystroke, providing a silky sensation. Furthermore, the Sunset Yellow switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and effortless travel.

Considering the available information, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Purple switch provides a snappy sound profile with a big tactile bump, offering an exhilarating tactile typing experience. Its feel is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles, with a rich and bassy sound that enhances the typing experience. Its feel is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. While the two switches offer different qualities, they both provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a big tactile bump for an exhilarating typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be a great choice. The Polaris Purple provides a snappy sound profile and a mild feel, offering a safe and approachable typing experience for most users. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is the way to go. The Sunset Yellow offers a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, creating a truly indulgent typing experience. It also has a creamy and frictionless feel, allowing for effortless and smooth key travel. Whether you prioritize a distinct tactile typing experience or a luxurious linear typing experience, both switches have their unique qualities to cater to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Everglide Sunset Yellow depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more