SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and Dareu Sky POM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Polaris Gray is favored by those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sky POM stands out for its premium quality crafted from POM material, providing a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, it's essential to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Sky POM, we can see that both switches use different materials for their top housing. The Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Sky POM employs POM for its top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of which sound you prefer when typing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Polaris Gray once again features polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Sky POM employs nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in materials for the bottom housing highlights how the type of plastic used can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. Whether you prefer a sharper sound or a fuller sound may influence your preference between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Sky POM ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Sky POM's POM and nylon housing offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, users will need to decide which sound profile they prefer when typing and whether they prioritize clarity or depth in their switch choice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that they offer different typing experiences. The Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter in comparison, with an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Sky POM may be the ideal choice due to its lighter actuation force. In contrast, the Polaris Gray can cater to individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with its medium-heavy bottom out force. Both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences, with the Polaris Gray leaning towards a heavier typing experience, and the Sky POM providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Polaris Gray being slightly longer than the Sky POM. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky POM, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched, clean, and clacky typing experience that is both satisfying and not too distracting. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch also provides a low-pitched sound profile, emphasizing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant typing sound that is suitable for various environments, whether you're typing at home or in a shared workspace. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific sound profile you prefer.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a mild and refined typing experience that is approachable to most users. With its polished finish, this switch offers smooth key travel and reduced friction, allowing for comfortable and efficient typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing sensation. The premium quality POM material used in the Sky POM switch enhances the overall typing experience, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Again, the choice between these two switches will depend on the level of smoothness and tactility you prefer in your typing experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Polaris Gray switch provides a clean and clacky sound with a mild and polished feel, the Sky POM switch boasts a premium quality, buttery, and smooth typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard switches, either of these options could be a great choice for your setup. Ultimately, trying out both switches firsthand is the best way to determine which one aligns better with your typing preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a premium quality switch with exceptional smoothness, a clacky sound, and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch crafted from POM material could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel and sound when typing.