SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that promise a satisfying typing experience are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Jwick Taro. The Polaris Purple is renowned for its big tactile bump, which provides an exhilarating typing experience. Along with its snappy sound profile, this switch falls under the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience, complemented by its subdued color scheme. With a medium level of tactility, the Taro switch produces acute and crisp clacks. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped', it aims to provide a unique typing sensation. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to better understand the nuances of each switch, enabling you to make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Jwick Taro demonstrate some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from the polycarbonate top housings of both the Polaris Purple and the Taro.
However, the bottom housings of these switches diverge in terms of materials. The Polaris Purple showcases a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Taro utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Taro produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a difference in the sound produced by the bottom-out of the keys between these two switches.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play different roles in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, due to the differing materials used for the top and bottom housings of the Polaris Purple and the Taro, users can anticipate variation in the overall typing sound and feel when using these switches.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we find that both switches have the same bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. However, the actuation force for both switches is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare them in this aspect.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. For those users, both switches would provide similar results since their bottom out forces are the same. However, others prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, it would be beneficial to know the actuation force of each switch. If the actuation forces were equal, users seeking a heavier typing experience could choose either the Polaris Purple or the Taro.
Overall, it is clear that both switches have a similar bottom out force, making them suitable for users who prefer a medium-heavy feel. However, a direct comparison between their actuation forces is not possible due to the unavailability of this information.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Polaris Purple falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, offering a 4.0 mm depth. On the other hand, the Taro provides a slightly shallower experience with its 3.7 mm travel distance. Shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you value quick and responsive keystrokes, opting for the Taro with its shorter travel distance may be the optimal choice for you. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel and deeper key presses, the Polaris Purple with its longer travel distance may be the better fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Jwick Taro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate level of sound when typing, making them suitable for most purposes and environments. However, it's important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the sound profiles of these switches are similar, the specific sound you achieve may vary depending on your setup.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. The mild feel means that they provide a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. They fall into a safe middle-ground zone that should be approachable for most users. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches results in a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are described as buttery and stepped. The buttery feeling implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The stepped feature of these switches means that they have a two-stage tactile feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. This adds a mild tactile feedback without being overwhelming compared to switches with a more pronounced bump.
Taking all the available information into account, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and Jwick Taro switches offer enjoyable and cozy typing experiences. While the Polaris Purple provides a big tactile bump with a snappy sound profile and a mild, polished feel, the Taro switches offer a medium level of tactility with acute and crisp clacks, a buttery smooth typing feel, and a stepped tactility. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a big tactile bump, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the one for you. It offers an exhilarating tactile typing experience and a snappy sound profile. Additionally, it has a mild feel with a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a similar typing experience with a cozy color scheme, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is the way to go. It also has a medium-heavy bottom out force and offers a snappy, medium-level of tactility with acute and crisp clacks. In terms of sound and feel, both switches are described as neutral, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Polaris Purple has a mild and polished feel, while the Taro has a buttery and stepped feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and typing feel.
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