SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are two popular options that offer unique experiences for typing enthusiasts. The SP-Star Polaris Purple is a tactile switch renowned for its exhilarating typing experience, thanks to its big tactile bump. This switch provides a snappy sound profile and falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is a tactile switch that combines the best of both worlds. With a refined sound profile, this switch offers a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Classified as 'Bassy', 'Muted', and 'Sharp', the U4Tx delivers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx differ in their housing materials, which impact the sound profile and overall experience of using the keyboard switches. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it suitable for those who prioritize a vibrant and distinctive typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to enhance the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the U4Tx incorporates a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often called "boba plastic," resulting in a rich and deep sound profile. This softer plastic blend offers a unique typing experience preferred by individuals seeking a smoother and more mellow response from their keyboard switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Polaris Purple and U4Tx display similar characteristics, utilizing the same materials. Both keyboards employ a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of this material in achieving a desired sound profile. With its stiffer composition, the polycarbonate bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This ensures a consistent and precise typing experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a more tactile feedback. Similarly, the U4Tx embraces a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing that delivers comparable outcomes. This implies that the typing experience and sound produced when pressing down on the U4Tx switch share similarities with the Polaris Purple, providing a satisfying and reliable response for users.
In summary, the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx have distinctive qualities, affecting the sound profile and overall feel while typing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Purple offers a sharper and crisper sound, complemented by its translucency for enhanced RGB lighting aesthetics. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing produces a rich and deep sound known as "boba plastic." However, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate bottom housing to ensure consistent and precise typing experiences, emphasizing the importance of this material in delivering a tactile feedback. While there are differences in the top housing materials, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar bottom-out sound and feel, providing users with comparable results in terms of the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is important to note that the actuation force for both switches is unavailable, meaning we do not have specific information on this aspect. However, in terms of the bottom out force, the Polaris Purple has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams, also classified as medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may be more inclined to choose the Gazzew U4Tx switch as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. This lighter switch can be beneficial for individuals looking to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the Polaris Purple switch with its higher bottom out force may be the preferred choice. This heavier force can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a greater sense of key engagement during typing.
Although the exact actuation forces are unknown for both switches, assuming they are similar or fall within the same range, it can be inferred that the overall experience of triggering a keystroke would be somewhat comparable between the two switches. Ultimately, the decision between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx would depend on personal preferences for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the U4Tx has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Polaris Purple falls into the more traditional range of travel distance, offering a deeper keystroke feel, while the U4Tx provides a slightly shallower keystroke experience. Gamers, who value faster response times, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances, like the U4Tx, to enhance their gaming performance. However, those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke depth may find the longer travel distance of the Polaris Purple more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness or a deeper tactile feel.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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 it comes to sound, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a snappy sound profile. This means that you can expect a moderate sound level that is neither too loud nor too quiet. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a unique sound experience. It combines the deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. This combination results in a refined and cleaner sound profile that is both acoustically pleasing and satisfying. While the Polaris Purple is more neutral in sound, the U4Tx offers a bassy and muted sound profile, emphasizing deeper and richer tones while minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard enclosure and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that the switch provides a gentle and approachable feel, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The switch's mild characteristics place it in a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring comfort during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Polaris Purple switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback. With each keypress, users can expect a distinct and intense tactile bump, providing a high level of feedback. This sharp tactile characteristic ensures a satisfying and responsive typing experience.
Considering the available information, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer distinct qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Polaris Purple excels in providing an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. It offers a mild and polished feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches combine the best of both worlds, offering a refined and cleaner sound profile with a sharp tactile bump. This creates a more luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and satisfyingly tactile. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a highly enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx are both excellent options. The Polaris Purple provides a thrilling tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a luxurious typing experience with a sharp, satisfying tactile bump and a refined sound profile that combines the deep "thock" while bottoming out with a whisper-quiet topping out sound.
In terms of sound, the Polaris Purple has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use the keyboard at home or work. On the other hand, the U4Tx provides a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Additionally, the U4Tx also has a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple offers a mild typing experience with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. This switch is approachable to most users and has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the U4Tx is known for its sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity that can be felt distinctly with each keypress.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx will depend on your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a neutral sound with a mild and polished feel, the Polaris Purple is an excellent choice. However, if you enjoy a bassy sound with a sharp and intense tactile bump, the U4Tx will provide a luxurious and satisfying typing experience. Consider what aspects are most important to you and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences.
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