Dareu Aqua vs. Everglide Aqua King (V3)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) are two popular choices, both offering a unique typing experience. The Dareu Aqua is a linear switch with a super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is also a linear switch but is known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on ice. While the Dareu Aqua is easy-to-press and feathery, the Aqua King (V3) is subdued, creamy, and silky. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
37g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Aqua King (V3), we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this feature, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Aqua uses nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Aqua King (V3) uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and more resonant sound profile throughout the switch.
The differences in housing materials between the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) result in distinct typing experiences for users. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a unique feel and sound when typing, with a sharper initial keypress followed by a deeper bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Aqua King (V3) maintains consistency in its sound profile with both top and bottom housing made of polycarbonate, resulting in a crisper and higher-pitched typing experience overall. These differences showcase how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
While both switches offer their own unique typing experiences, the use of different housing materials demonstrates how variations in construction can affect sound and feel. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with the qualities of each material impacting different aspects of the keypress. The bottom housing's influence on the bottom-out sound and feel contrasts with the top housing's impact on the sound when releasing a key. As a result, users can choose between the deeper, fuller sound profile of the Aqua or the crisper, sharper sound profile of the Aqua King (V3) based on their individual preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch with an actuation force of 46 grams, making the Aqua lighter to the touch. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King (V3) is 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Aqua, whose bottom out force is unknown. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Aqua being more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the Aqua King (V3) is a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer users the option to choose based on their typing preferences for an optimal typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua and Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switches have the same travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4mm. The similar travel distance of these switches ensures that you will get a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sounds, providing a distinct auditory experience. The chirpy sound adds a touch of character to each keystroke, while the clacky sound delivers a sharp and percussive tone, making for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle acoustic signature. This quieter sound profile may appeal to those seeking a more relaxed typing environment. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate each key. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feathery feel of the switch adds to the overall typing experience, providing a gentle and low-impact touch that is suitable for various typing tasks. On the other hand, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The smooth and buttery sensation of the switch, combined with its polished finish, enhances typing comfort and efficiency, making each keystroke feel seamless and refined.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, coupled with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, providing a distinct and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) boasts a subdued sound profile and a creamy, frictionless feel, delivering a smooth and effortless typing experience. While the sound and feel of these switches differ, both options cater to individuals looking for a specialized and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a chirpy, clacky sound signature, then the Dareu Aqua switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing needs, preferences, and the typing feel you are looking for when selecting between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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