Dareu Firefly vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the SP-Star Polaris Gray represent two distinct options for users looking for tactile and linear switches, respectively. The Firefly switch from Dareu provides a unique take on clicky switches, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and a subtle clickiness. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches are favored for their bouncy typing feel and clean, clacky sound profile. While the Firefly switch is best suited for those looking for an easy-to-press option with a chirpy feel, the Polaris Gray switch is ideal for individuals who prefer a low-pitched and polished typing experience. 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
The Dareu Firefly and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Firefly stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the different bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. The Firefly's nylon bottom housing gives it a unique sound and feel, with a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials highlights how design choices can affect the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly and the SP-Star Polaris Gray showcase how different housing materials can affect the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, the Firefly's nylon bottom housing sets it apart with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Polaris Gray, on the other hand, maintains a consistent sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller tone, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Polaris Gray has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Firefly's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Firefly will require less force to register a keystroke, which may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that their keypress experience in terms of travel distance will be similar. When compared to other switches with shorter or longer travel distances, both the Firefly and Polaris Gray offer a medium amount of key travel. This distance allows for a satisfying keypress without feeling too shallow or too deep, making them great options for users who enjoy a standard key travel experience. Ultimately, the travel distance of both switches enhances the typing or gaming experience without being overly intense or too short.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly 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 Firefly tactile switch is known for its quiet and light actuation with a hint of clickiness, offering a unique typing experience without the classic clicky sound signature. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch provides a clean and clacky sound profile, with a bouncy typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more feedback. The Firefly switch is described as chirpy, adding a subtle squeak to its sound profile, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a low-pitched and thocky feel, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. When it comes to feel, the Firefly switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Overall, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Firefly switch leans towards a quieter and lighter typing experience with a subtle clickiness, the Polaris Gray switch provides a clean and bouncy feel with a deeper sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choosing between them will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a quiet typing experience with a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bouncy, clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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