Dareu Aqua vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Aqua linear switch boasts a super light 37g actuation force, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter touch while providing a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a big tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. The Aqua switch is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Feathery', while the Polaris Purple switch falls under 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Aqua and the SP-Star Polaris Purple feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the contrast arises when looking at the bottom housings. The Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing, which further enhances the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with this material.
In terms of housing materials, the Dareu Aqua utilizes a mix of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housings respectively, providing a blend of clear and resonant sound from the polycarbonate top housing and a deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in consistently sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profiles throughout. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the combination of materials used in their housings, providing users with different auditory experiences depending on the housing material utilized.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and the SP-Star Polaris Purple in terms of housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate and nylon provides a mix of clear and resonant sound with a deeper and fuller tone, while the Polaris Purple's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout offers a consistently sharp and crisp sound profile. Regardless of the choice, both switches are designed to optimize sound quality and cater to users looking for specific sound profiles based on the housing materials used.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we can see that the Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Polaris Purple, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Polaris Purple has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the bottom out force of the Aqua is unknown. This means that the Aqua switch may feel lighter to the touch during typing, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of movement. Consequently, the travel distance of both switches is identical, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is used.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky noises, giving it a distinctive and lively sound signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provides a snappy and neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. While the Aqua switch leans towards a more playful and energetic sound, the Polaris Purple switch offers a versatile and balanced acoustic experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard platform and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery attributes, offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience. With a light actuation force, these switches minimize finger fatigue and provide effortless typing comfort. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a mild and polished feel, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle key presses. Both switches cater to users looking for a comfortable typing feel, with the Aqua switch focusing on lightness and ease of typing and the Polaris Purple switch providing a more polished and approachable tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua switch delivers a chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Polaris Purple switch provides a snappy and neutral sound along with a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and typing requirements, users can choose between these switches to customize their mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying and personalized typing journey, ensuring that users can achieve their desired sound and feel with either option.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a unique sound profile that is chirpy and clacky, the Aqua switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, think about what kind of typing experience you prefer and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and needs. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose wisely based on what feels comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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