SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, both of which belong to the tactile switch category. The Polaris Purple is widely recognized for its exhilarating tactile typing experience, thanks to a big tactile bump that instantly grabs your attention. This switch offers a snappy sound profile and falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor aims to create a unique typing experience with its thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to each keystroke. These switches strike a perfect balance by providing pronounced tactility without overwhelming the user, and are categorized as 'Accented', 'Bassy', 'Invigorating', and 'Low-pitched'. While these general pointers give you an idea of the qualities each switch possesses, let's delve deeper into their specific features so you can make an informed choice based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that enhances the sound profile, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Polaris Purple and the Viola Tricolor will offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic options due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
However, the bottom housings of these switches differ in material. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Viola Tricolor utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer materials like polycarbonate. This is because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, when typing on the Viola Tricolor, the switch's bottom housing will contribute to the overall sound and feel, providing a more muffled and resonant experience compared to the crisper sound of the Polaris Purple.
It is important to note that the impact of each housing material varies depending on whether you are pressing down on the switch or releasing a key. The bottom housing has a more significant effect on the "bottom-out" sound and feel when pressing down, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect differences in the sound and tactile feedback between the two switches, with the Polaris Purple offering a sharper bottom-out sound and the Viola Tricolor providing a fuller and more rounded release sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is important to consider their weight. Unfortunately, the actuation force for both switches is unknown, but it is safe to assume that they may offer similar results in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Purple is slightly heavier with a measurement of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is also classified as medium-heavy. Considering weight preferences, those who prefer lighter switches may find it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. However, users looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer switches with heavier forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Polaris Purple falls within the more traditional range, while the Viola Tricolor's 3.8 mm falls on the shallower side. This difference in travel distance is important to consider depending on personal preference and usage. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Viola Tricolor a potential choice for them. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Polaris Purple with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on the desired level of responsiveness and tactile experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a snappy sound profile that is considered neutral. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. It offers a bassy sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Viola Tricolor has a low-pitched sound, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Please 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 SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as mild and polished. Being a mild switch, it offers a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities strike a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. The Polaris Purple switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel contribute to a sleek feel. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented and invigorating. As an accented switch, it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It offers a medium level of tactility. The Viola Tricolor switch is also invigorating, meaning it offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. All these qualities combine to create an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Purple provides a snappy and neutral sound profile, along with a mild and polished feel that is gentle and refined. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor delivers a thuddy and bassy sound profile, which adds character to the typing experience. Its feel is described as accented and invigorating, providing a medium amount of tactility and an immersive typing sensation. Based on the available information, using either switch will result in satisfying subjective qualities, although with different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a thrilling tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a touch of character and a thuddy, punchy sound profile, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch would be more suitable. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches strike a perfect balance between pronounced tactility and a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for either a snappy and exhilarating typing experience or a characterful and immersive one.
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