SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) each present unique qualities to suit different typing preferences. The Polaris Purple, renowned for its pronounced tactile bump, offers an exhilarating typing experience that many users find gratifying. With a snappy sound profile and a categorization of 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished,' it combines feedback and acoustic satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy tactile cues without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems, which provide a super smooth linear typing experience, characterized by a resonant sound profile. This switch appeals to those who prefer fluid keystrokes and a quieter environment, without the tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a tactile punch or a seamless glide in your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a notable similarity exists in the composition of the top housing, which is constructed from polycarbonate for both switches. This commonality suggests that the auditory experience when typing—characterized by a sharper and crisper sound profile—will be comparable. Both switches benefit from the stiff qualities of polycarbonate, which enhance the resonance and deliver a high-pitched auditory feedback that many users appreciate, especially in environments where clarity of sound is paramount. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate supports RGB lighting, ensuring that both designs can effectively showcase vibrant backlighting, an attractive feature for those who seek both functionality and visual appeal in their keyboard setup.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of the switches differ significantly; the Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is made of nylon. The characteristics presented by these two materials lead to contrasting sound profiles. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Polaris Purple contributes to a brighter sound experience, maintaining the crisper quality established at the top. In contrast, the nylon bottom of the Tomcat (Heavy) produces a deeper and fuller sound, as it absorbs more vibrations and dampens noise due to its softer structure. Consequently, this divergence in materials means that while both switches will sound clear when keys are released, the experience of bottoming out will feel quite different, with the Tomcat providing a rounder and more muted impact versus the sharper response of the Polaris Purple.

Ultimately, the combination of these varying materials creates distinct yet complimentary experiences for typists. Users of the Polaris Purple can expect a consistent sound profile throughout the switch due to the uniform use of polycarbonate, which results in a pronounced auditory clarity. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its nylon bottom housing, offers a unique play between the top and bottom sounds that caters to users preferring a more softened and rounded tactile feel. Thus, while similar results in a high-pitched sound can be achieved with both models, the overall typing experience will diverge based on the individual qualities of the bottom housings, providing enthusiasts with options based on their desired auditory and tactile preferences.

Weight

When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Purple has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 64 grams. This suggests that the Tomcat switch would require less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Polaris Purple, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial experience for those who enjoy a firmer key response. Overall, the Polaris Purple is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Tomcat is the lighter option.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Polaris Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Polaris Purple provides a more pronounced keypress, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper tactile feedback, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) allows for quicker actuation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers or users seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more pronounced depth in your typing experience, the Polaris Purple would be the better choice, while those who favor a snappier feel might lean towards the Tomcat (Heavy). In essence, the Polaris Purple is the longer travel switch, and the Tomcat (Heavy) is the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch features a snappy sound profile that complements its tactile bump, making it engaging for typists. This switch has a neutral sound profile, which allows it to be versatile enough for various environments, whether at home or in an office. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, which can produce a deeper, more bass-like quality than the snappy sound of the Polaris Purple. However, since sound production is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, the ultimate auditory experience can vary between the two switches.

In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple provides a unique typing experience characterized by a big tactile bump that adds an exhilarating aspect to each keystroke. Described as mild and polished, this switch offers a gentle and refined typing sensation thanks to its smooth finish and well-rounded characteristics. This type of feel is approachable for most users, making it suitable for extensive typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch focuses on delivering a super smooth experience with its Ly stems, there are no specific descriptors provided regarding its tactile feel. Thus, while the Tomcat aims for smoothness, it does not provide any distinct tactile feedback like the Polaris Purple.

In summary, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches shine in their own right, offering different auditory and tactile experiences. The Polaris Purple excels in its tactile feedback and a snappy, neutral sound, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) promises a smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile, ideal for users who prefer linear switches without tactile bumps. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound characteristics, as both can lead to enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different styles and needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you wish to achieve. If you relish a pronounced tactile feedback with a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple is an excellent choice, especially for typing tasks that benefit from clear actuation cues, making it ideal for both casual typing and intensive work environments. Its mild yet polished feel ensures comfort while typing, which can be particularly appealing if you're new to mechanical keyboards or already have a penchant for tactile switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keypress without tactile bumps, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch might be more to your liking. Its slightly lighter bottom-out force and resonant sound profile cater to users who favor speed and fluidity in their keystrokes, making it an excellent fit for gaming or rapid typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or if you desire smooth and linear keypresses.

Mentioned in this article

SP-Star Polaris Purple Tactile

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more