SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, both switches offer unique and appealing features. The Polaris Purple stands out for its exhilarating tactile typing experience thanks to its big tactile bump, while the Yoel switch delivers a chewy typing experience that envelops fingertips with every press. The Polaris Purple provides a snappy sound profile and is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', whereas the Yoel switch has a bright and clacky sound profile and is characterized by 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for being relatively stiff, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Yoel's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material can result in varying sound experiences when typing on the switches.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the differences in their bottom housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles. The POM bottom housing of the Yoel creates a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted one, these differences in housing materials offer a variety of options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the PH Studio Yoel comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate top housing, delivering a sharp and clear sound quality ideal for RGB lighting. However, the Yoel's POM bottom housing provides a different typing experience with a deeper and more muted sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to tailor their keyboard setup to their liking. Overall, the housing materials of these switches showcase how subtle variations can make a significant difference in sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Purple has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the Yoel has an actuation force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier. In contrast, the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Yoel has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is categorized as medium. This means that the Yoel requires slightly less force for bottoming out compared to the Polaris Purple. However, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Polaris Purple catering to those who prefer a heavier push feel and the Yoel being a slightly lighter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch with a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Polaris Purple offers a more traditional and deeper key press experience compared to the shallower Yoel switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Yoel switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Polaris Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is known for its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch delivers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, characterized by a satisfying resonance when keys bottom out.
When it comes to sound, the Polaris Purple is described as having a neutral profile, suitable for various purposes, while the Yoel is known for its clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Sound perception can also be influenced by the keyboard itself and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and refined feel. On the other hand, the Yoel switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and effortless keystrokes.
Overall, both the Polaris Purple and Yoel switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Purple provides a tactile bump with a snappy sound, while the Yoel delivers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, each with its own distinct characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, then the Polaris Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a delectably chewy typing experience and a bright, clacky sound profile, then the Yoel switch could be more suited to your tastes. Consider whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with a mild and polished feel, or if you lean towards a clacky, high-pitched sound with a creamy and polished typing feel. Ultimately, the decision rests with you and what you value most in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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