United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer compelling options for tactile switch enthusiasts, each with its unique characteristics. The Polaris Purple is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience that allows users to feel each keystroke distinctly; its snappy sound profile adds an extra sensory pleasure to the experience, which many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB shines with its luxurious combination of a deep "thock" sound when bottoming out and a quiet, stealthy topping out. This refined sound profile, along with its sharp tactile bump, creates an elevated typing experience that appeals to those looking for both performance and auditory satisfaction. While the Polaris Purple is ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with an engaging sound, the U4Tx RGB is perfect for those seeking a subtler yet refined 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

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

67g

Bottom-out force

65g

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

Standard

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

When evaluating the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, it becomes clear that they offer distinctly different acoustic profiles due to their respective materials. The Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its stiffness. This characteristic contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more resonant feedback when typing. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing enhances the RGB lighting effect, allowing it to shine through with clarity. This combination results in a dynamic experience, particularly appealing for RGB enthusiasts who desire both aesthetics and performance in their keyboard switches.

In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary blend of "boba plastic" for both its top and bottom housings. This unique material is softer and provides a richer, deeper sound profile. Rather than the sharpness associated with polycarbonate, the Gazzew blend contributes to a more muted and refined acoustic experience, making it favorable for users who prefer a smoother keypress feel. The design allows for a cozy typing experience, softening the tactile feedback while still permitting RGB lighting to shine through, albeit with a different quality of light diffusion compared to the sharper clarity of polycarbonate.

Ultimately, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Gazzew U4Tx RGB utilize different materials, users could achieve somewhat similar results in sound and light projection depending on how the switches are utilized. For instance, if both switches are integrated into a keyboard setup that emphasizes RGB lighting, users could enjoy vibrant lighting effects regardless of the material differences. Moreover, the varying characteristics of their respective housing materials produce a unique typing experience: the Polaris Purple stands out with its crispness, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers richness. Therefore, the choice between these switches will largely depend on the user's preference for sound profile and tactile feedback rather than the visibility of RGB effects.

Weight

When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it’s interesting to note that both switches have unknown actuation forces, making it difficult to evaluate their performance in that aspect. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Purple switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the U4Tx RGB is slightly lighter with a bottom out force of 65 grams. This small difference suggests that while both switches lean towards a medium-heavy feel, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch might provide a marginally lighter typing experience. This factor can be significant for users who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, while those who appreciate a more substantial push may find either switch satisfactory, albeit the Polaris Purple offers a bit more weight. Overall, each switch caters to different user preferences based on their bottom out force characteristics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Polaris Purple features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users of the Gazzew U4Tx RGB can expect a more responsive typing experience, ideal for gamers who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Polaris Purple provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile feedback while typing. Therefore, if one prefers a more immediate response, the U4Tx RGB would be the better choice, whereas the Polaris Purple caters to those who prefer the traditional, heavier key 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 RGB 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 comparing the sound profiles of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches, both offer unique auditory experiences tailored to different preferences. The Polaris Purple has a snappy sound profile which injects a lively character into the typing experience. It's relatively neutral, making it suitable for a variety of settings—whether it be gaming, typing at work, or casual use at home. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB combines a deep "thock" when bottoming out with a quieter sound upon topping out, resulting in a refined acoustic quality. This switch is particularly suitable for users looking for a luxurious feel while still maintaining a discreet noise level in shared environments. Ultimately, while both switches produce engaging sounds, the Polaris Purple leans towards a more vibrant auditory profile, whereas the U4Tx RGB offers a deeper, softer sound.

In terms of tactile feel, the Polaris Purple switch stands out with its pronounced tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience that many users find satisfying. Coupled with a mild descriptor, the overall typing experience is approachable and smooth, making it easy for both novices and experienced users to enjoy. This is further enhanced by its polished finish, which reduces friction and enhances key travel, contributing to a refined and enjoyable interaction. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the U4Tx RGB are not specified, leaving room for curiosity and speculation about its texture. Given its description as providing a sharp tactile bump, it may offer a direct and defined feedback, similar to the Polaris Purple, but without definitive details, comparisons in tactile sensation remain inconclusive.

In conclusion, both the Polaris Purple and U4Tx RGB tactile switches deliver compelling qualities suited to different preferences. The Polaris Purple allows for a snappy yet neutral sound profile paired with a noticeable tactile bump and polished feel that caters to a broad audience. Conversely, while the U4Tx RGB promises a luxury experience with its "thock" sound and likely sharp tactile feedback, specifics on its overall feel and sound are less clear. Users looking to explore tactile switches may find that both options provide enjoyable typing experiences, but the Polaris Purple clearly communicates its attributes, while the U4Tx RGB leaves a bit more to the imagination. Ultimately, your choice may come down to sound and feel preferences, each offering valuable insights into the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you're seeking a more pronounced tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating experience during typing, along with a neutral sound profile that suits both home and office settings, the Polaris Purple is an excellent choice. This switch, with its mild and polished characteristics, ensures a comfortable feel, making it approachable for newcomers and enjoyable for seasoned typists over extended usage. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deep, satisfying "thock" sound accompanied by a refined tactile response, the U4Tx RGB switch may be your better bet. The combination of its stealthy actuation and luxurious typing experience enhances both engagement and performance, making it suitable for both quiet work environments and immersive gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize pronounced tactility and a user-friendly experience or a more sophisticated sound and feel that enhances your typing enjoyment.

Mentioned in this article