Dareu Holly vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, to the SP-Star Polaris Purple, another tactile switch, it is evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Holly is characterized by its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple stands out with its big tactile bump, offering an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the Holly is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', and 'Neutral', the Polaris Purple is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing styles; 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
50g
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 Holly and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the Dareu Holly features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Despite both switches having a polycarbonate top housing, the SP-Star Polaris Purple differs in its choice of bottom housing material, also using polycarbonate. This decision ensures a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with polycarbonate's stiffness contributing to a clear and resonant sound. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch can affect the typing experience, with the qualities of each material being felt depending on whether a key is pressed down or released. In this case, the SP-Star Polaris Purple maintains a uniform sound and feel across the entire switch, while the Dareu Holly provides a contrast between the sharper top housing and the deeper bottom housing.
In summary, both the Dareu Holly and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer unique sound profiles due to their choice of housing materials, emphasizing different qualities in their respective polycarbonate and nylon components. While the Holly combines a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom, resulting in a contrast between sharpness and depth in sound, the Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings for a consistent and clear sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with the housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Polaris Purple switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the bottom out force for the Holly switch is unavailable. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Holly switch more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Polaris Purple switch. In terms of actuation force, the Holly switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, whereas the Polaris Purple switch is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance between the two switches, it is clear that users can expect a similar tactile experience regardless of which switch they choose. The travel distance plays a crucial role in the typing experience, as it affects how far down the key needs to be pressed before registering an input. With both the Holly and Polaris Purple switches offering a 4 mm travel distance, users can expect consistent feedback and response times from either switch. Ultimately, the similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will have a comparable typing experience, with no significant differences in key feel between the Dareu Holly and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly 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 Holly switch offers a unique combination of a chirpy and clacky sound profile, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch delivers a snappy sound profile with a big tactile bump, creating an exhilarating typing experience. While both switches fall under the "Neutral" descriptor in terms of sound profile, the specific nuances of chirpy and clacky versus snappy sounds cater to different preferences and typing styles.
When it comes to feel, unfortunately, specific information about the Dareu Holly switch is not available. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a gentle typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it a comfortable option for extended typing sessions. The lack of details on the Holly switch's feel makes it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, the Dareu Holly and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Holly provides a chirpy and clacky typing experience, the Polaris Purple delivers a snappy sound with a big tactile bump. In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple is known for its mild and polished typing feel, which ensures a comfortable and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether a user prioritizes sound or feel in their mechanical keyboard switch selection.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a unique sound signature and a balanced typing experience, the Dareu Holly tactile switch with its medium 50g actuation force would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more exhilarating tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, then the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch with its medium-heavy 67g bottom out force would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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