SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX Xinhai. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience and snappy sound profile. It is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Xinhai is a linear switch crafted with a unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, providing a softer acoustics profile and a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. It is categorized as bouncy, clacky, and creamy. Each switch offers its own unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate material for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, providing a clear and resonant sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out with its nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, the Xinhai diverges with its nylon bottom housing. This contrast in materials affects the overall sound profile and feel of each switch when pressed. The Polaris Purple's combination of polycarbonate top and bottom housings results in a consistent, clear, and resonant sound experience. In contrast, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound quality, creating a distinct typing experience. The difference in materials showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall user experience with mechanical switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Polaris Purple and the Xinhai comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Polaris Purple offer a consistent and clear sound experience, ideal for those looking for a sharper and higher-pitched typing sound. On the other hand, the Xinhai's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, appealing to users seeking a rounder sound quality. Both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in achieving distinct sound and feel characteristics in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and an actuation force of 37 grams. The Xinhai is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Polaris Purple. The lighter actuation force of the Xinhai may make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and potentially less finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we can see that the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Xinhai's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Polaris Purple's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches offer advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Xinhai offering a quicker actuation and the Polaris Purple providing a more tactile key press experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 is described as having a snappy and neutral sound profile, offering a moderate level of sound that is suitable for various environments and purposes. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and percussive noise that adds to a dynamic typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can be further enhanced or dampened depending on the keyboard and keycap choices made.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is praised for its mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and refined feel that falls into a safe and approachable middle ground. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy sensation, giving users a lively feedback with smooth and buttery keystrokes that glide effortlessly across the keys. These different tactile qualities cater to varying preferences in typing feel, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their typing style and comfort level.
Overall, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that can greatly impact the typing experience for users. While the Polaris Purple provides a snappy and neutral sound with a mild and polished feel, the Xinhai switch delivers a clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can select the switch that aligns with their typing needs and desires. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable use for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience 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 and a switch with a softer acoustics profile for a more sophisticated and precise typing experience, the Xinhai switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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