Huano Acacia vs. Dareu Aqua
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Aqua switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Dareu Aqua provide unique yet contrasting experiences for users seeking a linear switch. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which enhances the typing experience right out of the box, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a smooth and responsive touch without excessive force. In contrast, the Dareu Aqua distinguishes itself with a super light actuation force of just 37g, producing a chirpy and clacky sound that appeals to users looking for a more playful auditory feedback while typing. While both switches showcase the benefits of linear designs—offering a quiet operation and smooth key presses—they cater to different preferences regarding sound and feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Dareu Aqua switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a shared sonic characteristic that prioritizes clarity and resonance. This shared design choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when the switches are actuated. The stiffness of polycarbonate not only enhances the auditory experience but also contributes aesthetically, as its translucency is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. For users seeking a vibrant visual display with auditory precision, both switches promise similar results due to the acoustic properties inherent in their polycarbonate top housings.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Acacia and Aqua switches is made of nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller, deeper tonal quality. While the top housing focuses on clarity and brightness, the nylon bottom housing introduces a contrasting dampened sound profile that adds depth to the auditory experience. This dual-material composition means that when users press down on these switches, they will experience the best of both worlds: the crisper highs from the polycarbonate top and the deeper lows from the nylon bottom. Thus, despite both switches having different functions in their respective haptics and acoustics, they complement each other perfectly.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Acacia and Aqua switches creates a balanced sound profile that enhances the typing experience. With the top housing providing clarity and brightness and the bottom housing infusing fullness and warmth, users can appreciate how each material contributes to the overall performance of the switches. Both the Huano Acacia and Dareu Aqua offer a coherent sound experience, illustrating how thoughtful material selection can yield synergistic benefits in acoustic design, making them advantageous choices for typists and gamers alike.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Aqua linear switch present interesting contrasts in their actuation forces. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is categorized as medium-light, while the Aqua switch is lighter at 37 grams, making it easier to actuate. This lighter force in the Aqua switch might appeal to users who prefer extended typing sessions or longer gaming marathons without fatigue. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Acacia switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, adding to its substantial typing experience; however, the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is currently unavailable. This lack of information on the Aqua switch’s bottom out force makes it difficult to compare this aspect directly, but given the lower actuation force, it may be assumed that its bottom out force could also be lighter than the Acacia's. Overall, if a user prefers a lighter feel for extended use, the Dareu Aqua switch would be the preferable option, whereas those seeking a more robust typing experience might gravitate towards the Huano Acacia switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Aqua linear switch, we find a notable difference in their specifications. The Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Aqua has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Acacia offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua, which makes it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor faster response times and quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Aqua, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may be preferable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, if you're looking for a responsive experience, the Huano Acacia linear switch could be the better choice, whereas the Dareu Aqua linear switch might suit those who favor a deeper, more pronounced keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch has not been specifically detailed; however, given its reputation for generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, one can expect a relatively smooth and muted acoustic signature. This would likely translate into a quieter typing experience compared to the Dareu Aqua, which is characterized by its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile. The Aqua's chirp adds a light squeak to each keystroke, while its clacky nature produces a sharp and snappy sound. This acoustical combination may appeal to those who enjoy a more engaging auditory feedback while typing, making the Aqua a distinctive choice for users who appreciate a livelier sound response.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch again does not have explicit descriptions, but its medium-light weight and factory lubrication suggest a smooth and pleasant typing experience that minimizes fatigue over longer use. In contrast, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is explicitly designed with an ultra-light 37g actuation force, offering a notably effortless keystroke that feels easy to press. This lighter touch contributes to a feathery sensation when typing, which can significantly reduce finger fatigue during extended sessions. The Aqua’s design focuses on comfort and responsiveness, thus enhancing the overall typing experience, particularly appealing to users who prioritize ease of use.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia may provide a smooth and satisfactory typing experience thanks to its careful design, the Dareu Aqua linear switch presents a more vibrant sound profile and an exceptionally light feel. If you prefer a quieter option, the Acacia could serve you well, though it may not possess the distinctive auditory feedback that the Aqua offers. Both switches, with their unique traits, cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that matches their typing style, whether that be through sound, feel, or overall user experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Aqua linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you value a well-balanced switch that combines medium-light resistance with generous factory lubrication, the Acacia is likely your best choice. Its design aims to provide a smooth typing experience with minimal stem wobble, making it suitable for both typing and gaming tasks where precision is key. On the other hand, if you're looking for an extremely light switch that offers a unique chirpy and clacky sound profile, the Dareu Aqua linear switch might be more to your liking. Its effortless actuation and feathery feel mean you can type for long periods without experiencing finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced gaming or long writing sessions. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you prefer a more balanced typing feel with the Acacia or a lighter and more acoustic experience with the Aqua.
Mentioned in this article
