SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Weightlessness both present compelling options with distinct characteristics. The Polaris Purple stands out with a pronounced tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating sensory experience, complemented by a snappy sound profile that many typists find satisfying. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', this switch appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtler to moderate tactile feel, making it a great choice for users who prefer a more understated typing experience. Its balanced sound profile enhances the tactile characteristics without overwhelming auditory distractions, appealing to those who appreciate a quieter environment. Both switches cater to different preferences, and while the Polaris Purple excites with its dynamic feedback, the Weightlessness provides a more refined touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Gateron Weightlessness exhibit noteworthy differences in their housing materials that significantly influence the sound profiles of each switch. The Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more resonant audio experience as the switch is actuated. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for setups featuring RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, which is traditionally associated with a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, leading to a rounder and less piercing audio profile compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches maintain the same material structure as their respective tops, further accentuating the distinct auditory characteristics. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a crisp sound on bottom-out and aiding in the overall clarity of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a nylon bottom housing that enhances the deeper tonal qualities of the switch, offering a plush and dampened sound when typing. Each switch, therefore, has a distinct auditory signature influenced by the materials used in both the top and bottom housings, with polycarbonate heights providing clarity and nylon producing depth.
When these materials are combined, it leads to contrasts in both feel and sound depending on the actuation side. The characteristics of the bottom housing carry significant weight on the bottom-out sound, while the top housing more significantly impacts the sound profile during release. Thus, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple excels in producing a crisp and dynamic response, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more subdued and rich typing experience. Even with these differences, both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback, and users may find that when each switch is utilized in a specific context—such as for gaming or typing tasks—they can achieve their desired feeling and sound profile, effectively catering to various preferences.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Purple has an unknown actuation force but boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, though its bottom out force remains unspecified. This indicates that the SP-Star Polaris Purple requires a heavier force to bottom out, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its lighter actuation force, is better suited for those who favor a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for longer gaming sessions or extensive typing tasks. Ultimately, users seeking a heftier feel should lean towards the Polaris Purple, while those prioritizing comfort and ergonomics may find the Gateron Weightlessness more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Polaris Purple features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness comes in at 3.4 mm. This means that the Polaris Purple offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial and satisfying bottom-out feel for users who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness can cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize speed and efficiency. While both switches serve different preferences, the distinction in travel distances highlights the versatility in tactile switch designs, allowing users to select a switch that best suits their typing style.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switch and the Gateron Weightlessness switch, the Polaris Purple stands out with its snappy acoustic signature, which is characterized by a neutral tone. This makes it an all-purpose choice suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The weightlessness switch, on the other hand, is noted for having a balanced sound profile, but specific sound characteristics are less detailed. This suggests that while both switches provide auditory satisfaction, the Polaris Purple may offer a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the more subtle sound of the Weightlessness.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple is particularly impressive due to its big tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating typing experience that many users find highly satisfying. It is described as having a mild characteristic, which cultivates an approachable typing environment, reinforced by a polished nature that ensures smooth key travel. The Weightlessness switch, however, offers a subtler tactile experience that may appeal to those who prefer a less aggressive tactile feedback. Unfortunately, there isn’t much detail available on the specific tactile characteristics of the Weightlessness switch, making a direct comparison difficult.
In conclusion, while both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches offer unique experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Polaris Purple excels with its significant tactile feedback and snappy sound, ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness switch provides a more understated touch that might suit users seeking a gentler feel. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose, you can expect a pleasant typing experience, though with distinct nuances in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile experience and prefer a more substantial bottom-out force, the Polaris Purple is an excellent choice. Its 67 grams of resistance combined with a distinct tactile bump will provide you with an exhilarating and engaging typing experience, making it ideal for both casual and intense typists. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a snappy sound profile and a polished feel, which enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a subtler tactile sensation that allows for a more balanced typing experience, the Weightlessness switches might be more suitable for you. With a softer tactile feedback and potentially a quieter sound profile, this switch caters well to environments where discretion is key, like in an office setting. As such, if your priority is a smooth typing experience with moderate feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness is worth considering. Ultimately, you should reflect on your typing habits, the environments where you'll be using the keyboard, and your tactile preferences to make the best choice for your needs.
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