SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Sky V4 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Polaris Gray is a linear switch loved for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and smooth linear action. Categorized as thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy, this switch provides a rich 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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 V4, we see that both switches have unique characteristics. The Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear and resonant resonance. On the other hand, the Sky V4 opts for POK material for its top housing, which offers a smooth and clacky typing experience with exceptional durability. While the Polaris Gray emphasizes clarity and brightness in its sound profile, the Sky V4 prioritizes smoothness and durability in its switch construction.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the Polaris Gray and the Sky V4 offer distinct experiences. The polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Polaris Gray create a sharp and crisp sound profile, perfect for users who prefer a higher-pitched typing experience. In contrast, the POK top housing and nylon bottom housing of the Sky V4 results in a smoother and deeper sound, providing a more rounded typing sensation. While the Polaris Gray focuses on clarity and brightness in its sound profile, the Sky V4 emphasizes smoothness and durability, appealing to users looking for a different typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Polaris Gray and the Sky V4 comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with a clear resonance, the Polaris Gray with its polycarbonate housing is the ideal choice. However, if you prioritize a smoother, clackier typing experience with exceptional durability, the Sky V4 with its POK top housing and nylon bottom housing may be more suitable for your needs. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it is clear that the Polaris Gray is the heavier switch with a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Sky V4 is lighter with a bottom out force of 55 grams. The actuation force of the Polaris Gray is not specified, whereas the Sky V4 has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Sky V4 requires a lighter touch to register a keystroke compared to the Polaris Gray. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Polaris Gray due to its heavier bottom out force, while those who type for extended periods or prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Sky V4. In terms of actuation force, without the specific information for the Polaris Gray, it can be assumed that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in that regard. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Sky V4 the shorter option and the Polaris Gray the longer option. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Sky V4 is on the shallower end, providing a quicker response time that is preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Polaris Gray offers a more traditional key press depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, quicker response or a longer, more satisfying key press.
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 V4 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 V4 for $4.76.
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, neutral sound profile with a satisfyingly thocky tone. In comparison, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch also provides a thocky sound with a neutral tone, but with a slightly different low-pitched characteristic. Both switches are likely to produce a deep and rich sound that can enhance the typing experience, particularly when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is noted for its mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel with smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. While the Polaris Gray switch focuses on a polished and refined experience, the Sky V4 switch aims to deliver a more lively and bouncy typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Polaris Gray switch provides a clean and clacky sound with a mild and polished feel, catering to those who prefer a bouncy typing experience. In contrast, the Sky V4 switch offers a deeper sound signature with its POK material top housing, coupled with a bouncy typing feel for a rich and satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, either switch can provide a pleasurable typing experience for newcomers looking to customize their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a bouncy and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear action with a medium-light bottom out force and a deeper thocky sound profile, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the typing feel and sound profile of the switch, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
