SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ each offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Polaris Purple, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, which provides an exhilarating typing experience that many users find satisfying and engaging. Its snappy sound profile enhances the overall experience, making it a strong choice for typists who enjoy feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the WS POM+, known for its linear design, delivers a smooth and buttery typing experience characterized by a deep, satisfying "thock" sound. This makes the WS POM+ ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid input with less tactile interruption. Each switch brings its own unique flavor to the table depending on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, distinct differences emerge in both composition and sound profile. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top housing that is recognized for its crisp, higher-pitched sound. This quality stems from polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing that is celebrated for its deeper, more muted sound profile. While the POM housing enables a unique acoustic experience, it tends to dampen higher frequencies, resulting in a sound that is distinctly different from the more transparent tones of the polycarbonate.
When analyzing the bottom housings of both switches, the Polaris Purple again features polycarbonate, reinforcing its signature sharpness and clarity. The WS POM+, on the other hand, utilizes a POM bottom housing that continues the trend of generating a deeper sound profile. Here, the choice of materials contributes to a divergence in the overall sound experience. The bottom housing in a switch has a significant role in defining the bottom-out sound, where the firmness of polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple accentuates a pronounced auditory feedback, while the POM bottom housing offers a subdued impact that might appeal to users seeking a softer acoustic response.
Ultimately, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials between the two switches yield varied sound experiences, making it possible to achieve complementary results depending on user preference. A user may favor the crisp, vibrant feedback of the Polaris Purple for a more tactile responsiveness, while others might appreciate the rich, muted feedback of the WS POM+ that is aesthetically pleasing and forgiving in quieter environments. Both switches serve their purpose well but cater to different auditory tastes and tactile experiences in keyboard play, showcasing how material choice can fundamentally impact switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Polaris Purple has an actuation force listed as unknown but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS POM+ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Consequently, while the Polaris Purple provides a more substantial and heavier typing experience, the WS POM+ offers a lighter option, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. This distinction allows users to choose based on their personal preference for typing feel: those who favor a heavier switch may find the Polaris Purple more satisfying, while those seeking ease of use may prefer the lighter WS POM+.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The Polaris Purple features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS POM+ has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the WS POM+ the shorter option, catering to gamers and users who prefer faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's longer 4 mm travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress and tactile feedback. Hence, if you opt for a more responsive feel, the WS POM+ would be the better choice, while the Polaris Purple would be ideal for those seeking a deeper typing 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 Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 features a snappy sound profile that is characterized as neutral. This means that the switch produces a moderate sound that balances well with its actuation force, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users in various environments, whether at home or work. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch offers a deep and satisfying "thock" sound signature, known for its resonance and richness. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, board, and keycap materials used, meaning that each switch's sound may vary from one setup to another.
Regarding feel, the Polaris Purple provides a tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, paired with descriptors like mild and polished. This means that the typing experience is gentle yet refined, allowing for a smooth travel with minimal friction due to the switch's quality finish. On the other hand, the WS POM+ is highlighted for its buttery-smooth keystroke, a quality often coveted in linear switches. The absence of a tactile bump allows for a consistently smooth typing experience, appealing to users who favor uninterrupted keystrokes without the tactile feedback typical of tactile switches.
In summary, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ offer distinct yet enjoyable experiences for different preferences. The Polaris Purple is particularly suited for users who appreciate tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various settings. In contrast, the WS POM+ excels in delivering a deeper sound and smoother overall feel, which begs appeal for those who favor a linear typing experience. Depending on your typing style and desired feedback, either switch can cater excellently to your needs, ensuring an overall rewarding mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a somewhat heavier actuation force, the Polaris Purple switch might be the perfect choice for you. Its significant tactile bump and snappy sound profile offer an exhilarating typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy feeling the keys engage. This makes it an excellent option for someone who wants to enhance their typing with tactile feedback, whether for gaming or intensive writing sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter keystroke with a smooth operation, the WS POM+ linear switch is the way to go. With its lower actuation force and deep "thock" sound signature, this switch provides a satisfying auditory experience and a fluid feel that is ideal for fast-paced environments or extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance between the tactile feedback you seek and the ease of pressing keys that you find comfortable.
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