SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, a notable difference lies in their tactile typing experiences. The Polaris Purple is recognized for its big tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing sensation with a snappy sound profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, positioning it as a balanced option for users who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing choices depending on personal 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
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 Purple and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro has a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the top housing of both switches is made of polycarbonate, providing similar sound qualities, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile, whereas the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This split in housing materials means that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate in their top housings, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Violet Gold Pro may appeal to those looking for a switch with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel while typing. Both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials, providing a unique typing experience for users.
Weight
Comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Polaris Purple has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Purple requires 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. This indicates that the Polaris Purple is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Generally, lighter switches are preferred for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, while heavier switches are favored for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Polaris Purple being slightly longer. Gamers may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while users looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the Polaris Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 comparing the sound of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches, both are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Polaris Purple offers a snappy sound, while the Violet Gold Pro provides a more balanced and neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard system.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a big tactile bump providing an exhilarating tactile feel. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro features a stepped tactile feel, offering a more subtle two-stage tactile sensation. Both switches aim to strike a balance between tactile feedback and smooth key travel, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Polaris Purple may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced tactile bump and snappy sound, the Violet Gold Pro provides a more balanced and subtle tactile feel with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall keyboard setup you are aiming for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the following recommendations based on your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump for a more exhilarating typing experience, the Polaris Purple may be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a snappier sound profile and a polished feel for smooth key travel, the Polaris Purple is a solid option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter touch and a medium tactility that offers a balanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro may be more suitable for you. With a neutral sound signature and a stepped feel that provides a more mild tactile experience, the Violet Gold Pro can be a great choice for those seeking a versatile and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs, so choose the one that aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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