SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the SP-Star Yanyu 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 SP-Star Yanyu. These switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that is best known for its exhilarating tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feedback. On the other hand, the Yanyu is a linear switch that caters to those seeking a more delicate typing experience, perfect for long periods of typing. Additionally, the Yanyu's material blend offers a crisp sound profile that adds to its appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affects the sound profile and aesthetic qualities of the switches. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which produces a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Yanyu utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a unique sound profile. While not particularly sharp, the Yanyu switch leans towards a brighter sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches employ different materials. The Polaris Purple uses polycarbonate, contributing to the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound it produces. Similarly, the Yanyu incorporates a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This particular blend is also described as unique, offering a pleasant sound profile without being too sharp. The qualities of the bottom housing significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when it is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released.
Although the two switches have different housing materials, they share similarities in terms of their sound profile characteristics. Both the Polaris Purple and Yanyu offer pleasant and bright sound profiles, with the Polaris Purple having a sharper, higher-pitched quality due to its polycarbonate build. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the Polaris Purple makes it suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts. While the Yanyu's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE provides a pleasant sound profile, it is not particularly sharp but still leans towards a brighter side. Overall, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound and aesthetic qualities of these switches, creating options for different preferences and needs.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Although the specific actuation forces for both switches are unknown, it is safe to assume that they differ from each other. The Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is relatively light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yanyu switch would be the ideal choice as its bottom out force is lighter. This allows for a smoother typing experience and may be preferable for individuals who type for long periods or engage in extensive gaming sessions. Conversely, the Polaris Purple switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force. This can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a stronger push feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.
Overall, the weight of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience. Some may prefer the lighter switches for their extended usage capabilities, while others may opt for heavier options for a more substantial feel. If both switches were to have similar actuation forces, users could expect similar results in terms of typing experience and bottoming out. However, in the case of the Polaris Purple and Yanyu switches, the Yanyu is the lighter option and the Polaris Purple is the heavier option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Polaris Purple and Yanyu switches offer similar results.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 Polaris Purple switch offers a snappy sound profile. This means that when you press and release the keys, you will hear a quick and sharp sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a crisp sound profile. This means that the sound produced when typing on these switches is clear and distinct. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, so they are suitable for most purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the typing feel is gentle and approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a mild and feathery typing experience. This means that the switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switch also has a subtle resistance and a polished finish, making it suitable for shared spaces and providing a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Polaris Purple and Yanyu switches offer their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Polaris Purple provides an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. Additionally, they both provide a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preferences and typing requirements, either switch can provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a more exhilarating typing experience with a big tactile bump, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the right choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback. Additionally, the sound profile of the Polaris Purple is described as snappy. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or need to type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the better option. With a light bottom out force of 43 grams, the Yanyu switch reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, its material blend gives it a crisp sound profile. Both switches have a moderate sound profile and are suitable for most intents and purposes. Overall, the choice between the Polaris Purple and Yanyu switches depends on your desired typing experience and personal preferences.
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