SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer an exceptional typing experience with their tactile feedback. The Polaris Purple is renowned for its exhilarating tactile bump, providing a satisfying sensation with every keystroke. Its sound profile is snappy, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. Crafted with precision, these switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound while delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches that use silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Tactile switches provide a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel, creating a unique blend of tranquility and tactility. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which results in a clear and resonant sound. In comparison, the WS Silent Tactile employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Polaris Purple offers a sharper and more vibrant sound experience, while the WS Silent Tactile offers a deeper and more subdued one.
While the two switches utilize different housing materials, they both offer unique advantages for users. The polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Purple, whether in the top or bottom housing, provides a clear and resonant sound profile that is enhanced by its stiff nature. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a sharp and crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing, found in both the top and bottom, absorbs more sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound, which may appeal to users looking for a more subdued typing experience. Therefore, despite their differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
It is worth noting that although the top and bottom housings may differ in the two switches, they still contribute to the overall sound experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. With the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top and bottom housing, users can expect a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout their typing experience. Similarly, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top and bottom housing will provide a consistent deep and rounded sound profile. Therefore, both switches offer consistent sound characteristics provided by their respective housing materials, catering to the preferences of users during both key press and release.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, we find that both switches have an unavailable actuation force. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is not specified for either switch. However, in terms of bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling in the medium-heavy range. Therefore, if weight is a determining factor, the WS Silent Tactile can be considered slightly lighter than the Polaris Purple. Ultimately, both switches offer a substantial typing experience with their medium-heavy bottom out forces, allowing for a satisfying key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that there is a difference in distance. The Polaris Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm.
The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Polaris Purple falls into the category of a more traditional distance, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile offers a shallower travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is more suitable for gamers who prioritize quick response times. By opting for the shorter travel distance, one can experience a more immediate and responsive keystroke.
However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances may feel abrupt to some individuals who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key. For those who appreciate a deeper sensation, the Polaris Purple with its longer travel distance would be the ideal choice. It offers a more satisfying tactile experience that is suited for those who desire a hearty keystroke.
In conclusion, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in their travel distances, they cater to different preferences. The former provides a more traditional and substantial depth, while the latter offers a shallower and faster keystroke.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 Polaris Purple is known for having a snappy sound profile, which means it produces a satisfying and quick sound upon actuation. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile aims to strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. These switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound while maintaining a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches do not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. While both switches have a similar neutral sound profile, the WS Silent Tactile offers a more muted sound compared to the Polaris Purple due to its noise-reducing design.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple is described as having a mild and polished experience. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, while a polished switch offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile is described as accented and invigorating. An accented switch provides a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, creating a prominent tactile feedback. These switches also offer a snappy and reactive feel, making typing an immersive sensation. Additionally, they fall under the category of mild switches, offering a more gentle typing experience like the Polaris Purple. Both switches provide a middle-ground feel that will be comfortable for most users.
In conclusion, the Polaris Purple and WS Silent Tactile switches have their unique qualities. The Polaris Purple offers a exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile strikes a balance between noise reduction and tactility, providing a more muted sound, an accented and invigorating feel, and a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. While they have some differences, both switches have a similar neutral sound profile and fall under the category of mild switches. Depending on the individual's preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be a great choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams adds to the satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch would be the way to go. With its medium level of tactility and impressive silent profile, it is perfect for office and work environments. Additionally, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a slightly lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize the strong tactility and snappy sound of the Polaris Purple or the tranquility and balanced tactility of the WS Silent Tactile.
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