SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch and prioritizing a bouncy typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Kailh Sage are two options worth considering. The Polaris Gray switch is known for providing a clean and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a satisfying tactile response while typing. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, these switches deliver a smooth and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness. Categorized as invigorating, sharp, and crunchy, these switches provide users with an audible and tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Kailh Sage share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Being a relatively stiffer plastic, it leads to a clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches utilizing RGB lighting.
However, when it comes to their bottom housings, the two switches differ. The Polaris Gray employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, matching its top housing. This means that the qualities of polycarbonate are distributed throughout the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Sage.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their clear housings. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing switch, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. However, it is worth noting that if a switch features a clear housing, it is more likely to be made of polycarbonate.
Overall, while both switches offer similar sound profiles due to the common use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the distinction lies in the choice of materials for their bottom housings. The Polaris Gray prioritizes consistency by utilizing polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a balanced sound. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage embraces a softer nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound experience, albeit with a different tone.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are some similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force for both switches is unfortunately unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Polaris Gray has a slightly lighter force of 67 grams, while the Sage has a slightly heavier force of 70 grams.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Polaris Gray may be preferred by individuals who enjoy typing for extended periods of time or engage in long gaming sessions. This lightweight characteristic allows for a smoother and potentially less fatiguing typing experience. On the other hand, some users may prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. For such individuals, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Kailh Sage might be the preferred choice.
Overall, while the actuation force is unknown for both switches, the Polaris Gray presents a lighter bottom out force while the Kailh Sage offers a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, personal preferences and typing styles will play a significant role in choosing the switch that best suits an individual's needs for either enhanced endurance or a more forceful keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is evident that they have different measurements. The Polaris Gray has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. The Polaris Gray falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Sage offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with those seeking a more responsive and shallow experience opting for the Sage, while those desiring a deeper key press sensation may lean towards the Polaris Gray. However, both options offer satisfactory travel distances that can cater to different typing or gaming styles.
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 Kailh Sage 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches offer a clean and clacky sound profile. These switches have a low-pitched tone, giving them a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, they are described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switches provide a distinctly clicky typing experience. They are described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, both switches offer unique sound characteristics, with the Polaris Gray being low-pitched and thocky, while the Sage is clicky and crunchy.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches provide a mild and polished typing experience. These switches offer a more gentle typing experience with qualities that are approachable to most users. They have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switches offer an invigorating and sharp feel. They provide pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The Sage switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Again, it's important to note that individual preferences and typing styles may influence the perceived feel of the switches.
Taking all the available information into account, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches and Kailh Sage clicky switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Gray switches provide a low-pitched and thocky sound, along with a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Sage switches offer a clicky and crunchy sound, along with an invigorating and sharp feel. It's important to consider individual preferences and typing styles when choosing between these switches to ensure the best typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray switches may be the ideal choice. Similarly, if you prefer a heavy and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage switches would provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, this medium-heavy switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Polaris Gray produces a low-pitched and thocky tone, giving you a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage clicky switch would be the ideal option for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, this switch offers an invigorating and sharp feel, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive typing sensation. In terms of sound, the Sage switch produces a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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