SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can vastly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Bsun Tomcat. The Polaris Purple, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, which provides an exhilarating feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and engagement. Its snappy sound profile and categorized attributes of being 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished' make it a compelling choice for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat, a linear switch, is designed for smoothness with its Ly stems, delivering a seamless keystroke that many typists favor for its consistency and speed. Notably, the Tomcat's resonant sound profile adds a unique auditory element to its performance. While the Polaris Purple is ideal for those who crave tactile feedback, the Tomcat caters to users seeking a fluid and uninterrupted typing flow. 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
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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 spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Bsun Tomcat switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, making them comparable in terms of sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the switches are actuated. This stiffer plastic allows for increased resonance, resulting in a clearer auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual aspect of RGB lighting, making it a preferred choice for users who seek vibrant illumination when using their keyboards. Therefore, with polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches, users can expect a similarly bright and crisp sound profile accompanied by effective lighting diffusion.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials differ between the two models, which significantly affects the overall acoustic characteristics of the switches. The Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, which maintains the clear and resonant auditory traits established by its top housing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat opts for nylon in its bottom housing, which introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon’s ability to absorb sound. This results in a rounder and more muted auditory experience when the switches are bottomed out. Thus, while both switches share a crisp sound profile from the top housing, the Tomcat’s nylon bottom introduces a contrasting quality that softens some of that clarity.
In summary, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Bsun Tomcat exhibit similarities in their top housing, leading to a comparable auditory experience characterized by a crisp and vibrant sound. However, the use of nylon in the Tomcat’s bottom housing sets it apart by providing a deeper sound profile that contrasts with the clarity of the Polaris Purple’s bottom polycarbonate housing. When comparing the two, users will feel these differences in sound and tactile feedback, particularly when bottoming out the key presses. The combination of polycarbonate on both top and bottom in the Polaris Purple results in a consistently resonant experience, while the Tomcat’s construction offers a unique two-tone audio performance that may cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Polaris Purple lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Tomcat features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, which is classified as medium-light. This means that while the Tomcat requires less force to actuate, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Polaris Purple offers a more substantial feel with a heavier actuation, potentially appealing to those who prefer a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch for comfortable, prolonged use, the Bsun Tomcat is the better option, whereas the Polaris Purple might cater to users who enjoy a stronger push feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Polaris Purple features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional depth that many users find satisfying, while the Tomcat measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference indicates that the Tomcat is designed for a quicker response, making it more appealing for gamers who favor faster keystrokes. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Polaris Purple may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, which some users prefer for its depth and responsiveness. Ultimately, if you seek a more profound typing experience, the Polaris Purple would be the better choice, while those wanting quicker actions might lean toward the Tomcat.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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 comparing the sound profile of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Polaris Purple features a snappy sound that adds a bit of excitement to each keystroke. This snappiness is often perceived as crispness, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate audible feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch has a resonant sound profile, which implies a fuller, deeper tone when typing. This resonance may enhance the overall auditory experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback, though it may also depend on the particular keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switch offers a delightful tactile experience characterized by a significant bump that adds a layer of engagement during typing. It is described as mild, delivering a gentle typing experience that is accessible to a broad range of users, while also being polished for a smooth and refined touch. This smoothness is often enhanced by factory lubing or the materials utilized, allowing for reduced friction and a more fluid key travel. In contrast, the feel of the Tomcat switch is not explicitly described, leaving its tactile qualities subject to interpretation based on personal preference and usage.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Bsun Tomcat switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different typing styles. The Polaris Purple excels with its tactile nature and snappy sound, making it suitable for users who appreciate clear feedback, while the Tomcat offers a potentially resonant sound profile that might appeal to those seeking a richer auditory sensation. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on individual preference regarding sound and feel, and users can expect enjoyable typing experiences from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile bump and a snappy sound profile that offers an exhilarating typing experience, the Polaris Purple is your go-to option—especially if you prefer a medium-heavy force, which can enhance the feedback you receive with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for both gaming and typing, especially if you enjoy knowing exactly when a key has actuated. Conversely, if you're looking for a smoother, more fluid experience with a medium-light force, the Tomcat linear switch is ideal. Its smooth motion and resonant sound profile make it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming without the interruption of tactile bumps. Moreover, the Tomcat's smoothness can be more forgiving, allowing you to type quickly without the worry of accidentally registering a keypress too soon. In essence, if tactile feedback and a pronounced sound are what you desire, go with the Polaris Purple; if you favor a silky-smooth experience with a lighter touch, the Tomcat will serve you well.
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