Outemu Brown vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Brown and SP-Star Polaris Gray are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Outemu Brown switch is well-known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is favored for its smooth and linear feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. The Polaris Gray switch also boasts a clean and clacky sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. While the Brown switch offers a tactile feel, the Polaris Gray switch provides a bouncy typing experience. 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
53g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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 housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches share some similarities due to both featuring polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Brown switch stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, contrasting with the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material, impacting the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Brown switch's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a unique typing experience for users. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp, clear, and resonant sound profile associated with polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing materials showcases how varying housing materials can affect the overall typing experience, from the sound produced to the tactile feedback felt when typing on the switches.
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches, it becomes evident that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Brown switch adds a level of depth and resonance to the sound profile, creating a more immersive typing experience for users. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray switch maintains a sharper and clearer sound profile, emphasizing the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing feel. Despite their differences, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, we can see some differences. The Outemu Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams, while the Polaris Gray's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams for the Brown and 67 grams for the Polaris Gray, making them both medium-heavy in terms of required force. The Brown switch provides a tactile bump when pressed, while the Polaris Gray offers a smooth linear feel. In terms of weight, some may find the lighter actuation force of the Brown switch more suitable for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is the same. Both switches offer a consistent and uniform travel distance that can provide a satisfying typing experience for users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Outemu Brown or the SP-Star Polaris Gray, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 Gray for $5.00.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its quiet and subtle typing experience, lacking any distinct characteristics that would make it stand out in terms of sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched, clean, and clacky sound that is quite satisfying to the ears. The Polaris Gray switch provides a more defined and enjoyable auditory feedback for typists.
In regard to feel, the Outemu Brown switch is not particularly known for any specific feel, making it a more generic tactile switch option. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the Polaris Gray switch provides a gentle and refined keypress feeling, thanks to its smooth finish and reduced friction, ultimately leading to a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brown switch may provide a more generic and quiet typing experience, the Polaris Gray switch stands out for its satisfying low-pitched and clacky sound, as well as its polished and gentle keypress feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both. Ultimately, both switches are reputable options in the mechanical keyboard community, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a versatile sound profile and typing experience, the Outemu Brown switches could be the right fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel and sound, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
Mentioned in this article
