Dareu Dream vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dream switch is praised for its light linear feel and affordable price, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is favored for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Dream switch is easy-to-press and clacky, the Polaris Gray switch is low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. 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
40g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches incorporating RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. However, the Dream features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Polaris Gray continues with a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharper and more resonant sound profile associated with this material.
While both switches share the same top housing material, their differing bottom housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles. The Dream's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a deeper tone. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound, providing a different typing feel compared to the Dream. This difference showcases how varying housing materials can influence the overall sound and tactile feedback of mechanical switches.
Considering the impact of housing materials on typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing in the Dareu Dream allows for a combination of sharpness and depth in sound profile, offering versatility in typing feedback. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray's consistent use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound profile throughout typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The Dareu Dream linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray, which does not specify an actuation force. When it comes to bottoming out, the Dream does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Polaris Gray has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Dream switch would provide a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Polaris Gray switch would offer a firmer and more substantial typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
The Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer the same level of tactile feedback and typing experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Dareu Dream or the Polaris Gray, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key press feel and travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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.
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
The Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its light and gentle typing experience, offering easy-to-press keys that reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The sound profile of the Dream switch is described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and low-pitched sound profile, described as thocky. The feel of the Polaris Gray switch is also mild and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
Overall, if you prefer a more crisp and bright sound profile with easy-to-press keys, the Dareu Dream linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more satisfying sound with a bouncy typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience at a reasonable price point, so depending on your personal preferences, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider your preferred typing experience. If you enjoy a light linear switch with a gentle actuation force and an affordable price point, the Dareu Dream switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bouncy feel and a clean, clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what suits your typing style best.
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