SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Polaris Gray is ideal for those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience and crave that distinctive clacky sound. With its low-pitched sound profile and a unique blend of neutrality and mildness, these switches offer a clean and polished feel. On the other hand, the WS Onion boasts a buttery smooth keystroke feel, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. This switch provides a crisp and responsive tactile experience, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their appealing traits and distinct personalities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch is the perfect fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Onion share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of noise and visual effects when using either switch.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the WS Onion incorporates nylon. Typing on the Polaris Gray, with its polycarbonate bottom, will produce a sound profile that is sharper and more resonant. The WS Onion, with its nylon bottom, offers a different typing experience, generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the composition of the housing materials plays a significant role. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, the choice between the Polaris Gray and the WS Onion will determine the specific qualities and characteristics of the typing experience, with the Polaris Gray offering a sharper and crisper sound on both the press and release, while the WS Onion presents a deeper and fuller sound during the key press.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, both switches have an actuation force that is unavailable. Therefore, we can assume that they require a similar force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Polaris Gray requires 67 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the WS Onion requires 63.5 grams, also falling in the medium-heavy range. This means that the WS Onion is slightly lighter than the Polaris Gray in terms of bottom out force.
Considering weight is an important factor to many users, as it can affect typing endurance and overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the WS Onion, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is great for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Polaris Gray, which has a slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience, but the WS Onion offers a slightly lighter option compared to the Polaris Gray.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In this case, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches will provide a consistent tactile feedback due to the same distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, users can expect similar results and experiences in terms of the travel distance when using either of these switches.
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 Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 Gray linear switch is known for its low-pitched and thocky sound. These switches produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Onion linear switch has a more neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, with the Polaris Gray providing a deeper and more pronounced sound compared to the neutral sound of the WS Onion.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Polaris Gray offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic means that the typing experience is gentle and approachable, suitable for most users. The polished finish adds to the smoothness and refined feel of the switch, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the WS Onion switch provides a buttery and polished feel. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The polished finish also contributes to a sleek and refined feeling while typing. Both switches offer a pleasant and smooth typing experience, with the Polaris Gray being more mild and the WS Onion being more buttery in their feel.
In conclusion, the Polaris Gray and WS Onion linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Gray provides a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, with a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery and polished feel while typing. Both switches are suitable for various users and purposes, and choosing between them will depend on personal preferences. If you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a deep, rich sound, the Polaris Gray would be a good choice. If you prefer a smooth and fluid typing experience with a neutral sound, the WS Onion would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for 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, it provides a medium-heavy feel that can be satisfying for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
On the other hand, if you value a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch would be an excellent option. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a similar medium-heavy feel to the Polaris Gray, but with a unique combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a smooth and satisfying typing sensation.
In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for different environments and preferences. The Polaris Gray also has a low-pitched and thocky sound, which can add depth and richness to your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both switches have a polished finish, providing a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Polaris Gray has a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Meanwhile, the WS Onion is described as buttery, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you prioritize a bouncy typing experience or a buttery smooth feel, both switches offer their unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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