Kailh Berry vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Berry and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Kailh Berry is a linear switch, offering a smooth typing experience with a distinctive springiness. Typing on these switches feels substantial, thanks to their hefty build. The sound profile of the Berry switches is fairly deep, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that boasts a huge tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience. The keys have a snappy sound profile, adding to the satisfaction of using them. While each switch has its own distinct features and benefits, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, along with providing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, since polycarbonate is translucent, it is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Berry and the Polaris Purple will deliver similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, these switches differ. The Berry features a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate is stiffer and thereby creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This difference in materials will result in varying sound profiles and tactile feedback between the two switches.
When actuating the Kailh Berry, the bottom housing's qualities will play a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel. With the softer nylon bottom housing, users can expect a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a more cushioned typing experience. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing will offer a crisper and sharper sound upon bottom-out, providing a more precise and responsive feedback. Therefore, while the top housings may produce similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics, the differing bottom housings will greatly impact the overall typing experience of these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, some similarities and differences can be observed. In terms of actuation force, the specific grams required to trigger a keystroke are unavailable for both switches. This means that it is unknown whether they have the same actuation force or not. However, when considering the bottom out force, it can be noted that the Berry has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, whereas the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is slightly lighter.
The actuation force of a switch is crucial as it determines the amount of force needed to register a keystroke. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, a lower actuation force would be ideal. However, since the specific actuation force for both switches is not known, it is difficult to directly compare them in this aspect.
On the other hand, the bottom out force influences the overall typing feel and feedback. Some users may prefer a heavier bottom out force, as it provides a more substantial typing experience and reduces the chances of accidental keystrokes. In this regard, the Kailh Berry linear switch, with its 70-gram bottom out force, offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the Polaris Purple, which has a 67-gram bottom out force.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch depends on personal preference. Those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may find the Berry's actuation force, if lighter, more suitable for extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, users seeking a more substantial keystroke may opt for the Polaris Purple's slightly lighter bottom out force. However, without the specific actuation force for both switches, it is challenging to provide a direct comparison in this aspect.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have different travel distances. The Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Berry. Typically, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive keyboard, you might choose the Berry with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. In that case, the Polaris Purple with its longer travel distance might be a better choice.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics. These switches offer a deep and mellow tone during key presses, resembling the richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the sound profile of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as neutral. With a moderate sound profile, it is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the keyboard at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch provides a hefty typing experience with a springy feel. There is also a textured or slightly scratchy sensation when these switches are pressed. This texture can be preferred by some users, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls in the safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry linear switch and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a textured feel, providing a hefty typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch has a neutral sound profile, providing a snappy sound during key presses, along with a mild and polished feel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a deeper and springy typing experience with the Berry switch or a tactile and polished typing experience with the Polaris Purple switch. However, it's important to keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and the overall experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and personal typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Berry switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture when typing. The sound profile of the Berry switch is described as low-pitched and bassy, giving you a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a similar bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch would be a better fit. It provides an exhilarating typing experience with a big tactile bump. The sound profile is described as snappy and neutral, making it suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Berry switch is textured, offering noticeable friction when pressed, while the Polaris Purple switch provides a more mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch and the specific qualities you're looking for in terms of feel and sound.
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