Dareu Dream vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Dareu Dream is a linear switch known for its light actuation and affordability, making it a popular choice for those looking for a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch, providing users with a satisfying tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing. 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Dream and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. However, the Dream features a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Dream produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Polaris Purple.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Dareu Dream and the SP-Star Polaris Purple contributes to variations in sound and feel when typing on each keyboard. The Dream's nylon bottom housing offers a more muted and rounded sound profile, impacting the overall typing experience with a deeper feel. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and clearer sound profile, providing a crisper typing experience with more resonance. Despite both keyboards sharing a polycarbonate top housing, the distinct bottom housing materials contribute to unique typing experiences based on the respective sound profiles produced.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and varying bottom housing materials in the Dareu Dream and SP-Star Polaris Purple results in nuanced differences in sound and feel when typing. While both keyboards exhibit sharp, higher-pitched sounds due to their polycarbonate top housing, the contrasting bottom housing materials offer distinct typing experiences. The Dream's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in housing materials highlight the importance of material selection in determining the overall typing experience on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The Dareu Dream has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Polaris Purple, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Polaris Purple has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Dream, which has an unknown bottom out force. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Dream, while individuals looking for a heavier and more pronounced keystroke may opt for the SP-Star Polaris Purple. Overall, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when typing on a keyboard with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in an equally satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you choose the Dareu Dream linear switch or the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, you can expect a consistent typing feel with a 4 mm 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 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 Dream linear switch offers a clacky and sharp sound when pressed, providing a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various user preferences and environments. Both switches can deliver satisfying sound profiles, but the Dream may offer a more distinctive and percussive sound compared to the Polaris Purple.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Dream linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. The Polaris Purple tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. Additionally, with a polished finish, the Polaris Purple switch provides smooth key travel and reduced friction for an overall sleek typing feel. Both switches offer qualities that cater to users looking for a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch each have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dream may excel in providing a distinct and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Purple offers a versatile and neutral sound experience. When it comes to feel, the Dream focuses on easy activation and minimal resistance, while the Polaris Purple provides a mild and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light linear switch with a gentle typing experience and an attractive price point, the Dareu Dream switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile switch with a satisfying bump and a polished finish for smooth key travel, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize affordability and lightness or tactile feedback and smoothness in your typing experience. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you.
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