SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, we see distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Polaris Gray is favored for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow stands out for its innovative use of POK material in both the top housing and stem, resulting in a smoother typing experience with a deeper sound signature. Each switch is categorized differently, with the Polaris Gray being labeled as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the Snow is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Snow, we find that both switches have unique characteristics. The Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Snow boasts a POK top housing known for its smoothness and durability. While the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Snow's POK material excels in wear resistance and shock resistance. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches in their own distinct ways.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate, which also creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow features a nylon bottom housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This contrast in bottom housing materials shows how different plastics can impact the typing experience and overall sound of the switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housings of a switch interact, it becomes clear that the qualities of each housing material play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Polaris Gray and Dareu Snow may have different top and bottom housing materials, the combination of these materials ultimately contributes to the unique sound and feel of each switch. Ultimately, whether using polycarbonate or POK for the top housing, and polycarbonate or nylon for the bottom housing, these choices can have a profound impact on the overall typing experience and the sound profile of the switches.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that they have differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Gray has no specified actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch. The Polaris Gray is heavier when it comes to bottoming out, while the Snow has a slightly lighter actuation force. This means that the Polaris Gray may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Snow may offer a slightly lighter typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on whether a user prefers a heavier or lighter typing experience, with the Polaris Gray catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel and the Snow being suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Snow switch, while those who prefer a deeper key press experience may prefer the longer travel distance of the Polaris Gray switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is satisfying to the ears. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a thocky and deep sound signature, thanks to its innovative POK material construction. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Polaris Gray being cleaner and clacky while the Snow delivers a deeper sound when typing.
Moving on to the feel, the Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a refined finish that reduces friction and promotes smooth key travel. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch is known for its bouncy feel, offering a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively and rebounding sensation. While the Polaris Gray switch focuses on a balanced and approachable typing experience, the Snow switch leans towards providing a more dynamic and responsive feel to the user.
Overall, both the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Polaris Gray switch excels in providing a clean and bouncy typing experience with low-pitched sound, the Snow switch stands out for its deeper sound profile and bouncy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both can deliver a satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clean, clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a deeper sound signature, the Dareu Snow linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider the typing experience you desire - whether you appreciate a bouncy sensation like with the Polaris Gray or a bouncier feel like with the Snow. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so choosing between them will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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