SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both offer an exceptional tactile typing experience. The Polaris Purple is renowned for its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing sensation, while the WS Light Tactile switches maintain smoothness with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump. The Polaris Purple is known for its snappy sound profile, while the WS Light Tactile features a neutral sound signature. The Polaris Purple is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', whereas the WS Light Tactile is categorized as 'Stepped', 'Neutral', and 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches have their unique characteristics that make them appealing to different users, but 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. However, the WS Light Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
The use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches impacts how they feel and sound when typing. The SP-Star Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top housing is likely to have a more significant influence on the sound when you release a key, while the nylon bottom housing of the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. This differentiation in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with each keyboard, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Despite these differences, the overall quality of the switches is maintained, ensuring a high level of performance regardless of the housing material used.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Polaris Purple and the WS Light Tactile benefit from the translucent nature of polycarbonate in their top housings. This feature is especially useful for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects on their keyboards. While the Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, the WS Light Tactile's combination of polycarbonate and nylon provides a blend of sharp and crisp sounds with deeper and fuller tones. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, with each offering a unique experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Purple has no specified actuation force, while the WS Light Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Polaris Purple has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 50 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Light Tactile would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, for users who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel, the Polaris Purple would provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance. With both switches offering the same tactile feedback and actuation force, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of key travel. Whether using the Polaris Purple or the WS Light Tactile, users can enjoy a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance.
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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
In terms of sound, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound, suitable for various typing environments and experience levels. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Polaris Purple is characterized as having a mild and polished typing experience. This indicates that it offers a gentle typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is described as providing a stepped and easy-to-press typing experience. This means that it has a mild tactile feel with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel stages, offering a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and responsiveness.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of both switches, it's important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches. While the Polaris Purple offers a more polished and refined typing experience with a distinct tactile bump, the WS Light Tactile provides a smoother and easier-to-press feel with a stepped tactile response. Ultimately, both switches are suitable for a wide range of users, and the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches, consider your preference for typing experience and bottom out force. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile bump with a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a smooth and neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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