SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Polaris Gray is a linear switch, known for its bouncy typing feel and clean, clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch, offering medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, making it a balanced option for those seeking a Goldilocks typing experience. While the Polaris Gray is ideal for those who enjoy a smooth and consistent typing feel, the Violet Gold Pro caters to individuals looking for a bit more feedback while typing. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
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
The SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. However, the Polaris Gray differs from the Violet Gold Pro in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Violet Gold Pro employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate.
The choice of housing material in a keyboard switch greatly impacts the overall sound and feel of typing experience. With the polycarbonate top housing in both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, users can expect a sharp and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys. However, the difference in bottom housing material between the two keyboards results in varying sound profiles when bottoming out the keys. The Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing leads to a clear and crisp sound, while the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and rounder sound.
In summary, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share similar properties with their polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Polaris Gray offers a consistent sharp and high-pitched sound profile throughout, given its polycarbonate materials for both top and bottom housings. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a varied sound experience, with a crisper top sound due to its polycarbonate top housing and a deeper bottom out sound resulting from its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two keyboards will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force differ significantly. The Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown, contrasting with the Violet Gold Pro's actuation force of 45 grams and unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray provides a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a stronger push feel. In this case, users who prefer a lighter actuation force would find the Violet Gold Pro more suitable, while those who appreciate a heavier bottom out force would lean towards the Polaris Gray for a unique typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a 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 Violet Gold Pro. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press and a deeper feel may opt for the Polaris Gray with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro 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 is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile, resulting in a clean and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a more neutral sound signature that is suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches provide a pleasant sound profile that is not too loud or distracting, making them ideal for various environments.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience. The switch falls in the middle-ground zone when it comes to key feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for most users. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a stepped feel, giving users a two-stage tactile sensation that is more subtle compared to other tactile switches. This makes the Violet Gold Pro switch a versatile option for those who prefer a more moderate tactile feedback.
Overall, both the SP-Star Polaris Grey linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Polaris Gray switch provides a bouncy and polished typing experience with a clean and clacky sound, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a balanced tactile feedback with a neutral sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect satisfying results with either switch choice. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile 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 prefer a balanced tactile typing experience with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. We hope this comparison has helped you determine which switch best suits your needs. Happy typing!
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