Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Avocado
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Avocado switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the BSUN Avocado tactile switch both offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing an easy-to-press and feathery feel that results in a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Avocado switch offers a refreshing tactile experience with a snappy, responsive bump that leads into a buttery downstroke, creating a satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. While the Aqua is characterized by its light touch and unique sound profile, the Avocado offers pronounced tactility and a neutral sound signature. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences in typing feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Avocado both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, these switches produce a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of sound profile and aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches results in similar benefits, offering a consistent user experience.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, they differ in their bottom housings. The Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Avocado also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared bottom housing material contributes to a consistent typing experience across both switches.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom components of the switches impacts the overall sound and feel of each keypress. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as deeper and fuller sound, have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the characteristics of the top housing, like sharp and crisp sound, play a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Avocado offer a balanced combination of housing materials to create a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Avocado tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Avocado's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Avocado is 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Aqua is unknown. This means that the Avocado offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel compared to the Aqua. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Aqua for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Avocado for a more robust typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths, with the Aqua catering to those who prefer a lighter touch and the Avocado appealing to users who prefer a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Avocado tactile switch, the Aqua has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Avocado has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Avocado, making it the longer option of the two. This difference in travel distance can result in a slightly different typing feel and experience for users. Those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Aqua, while those looking for a quicker response time may lean towards the Avocado. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Bsun Avocado has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Avocado for $4.00.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by a chirpy and clacky sound signature, offering a unique auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. The Avocado tactile switch, on the other hand, maintains a more neutral sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience that focuses more on the tactile feedback than the acoustics. Both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used, ultimately affecting the overall sound produced during typing.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua switch is lauded for its easy-to-press and feathery nature, requiring minimal effort to actuate the keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the contrary, the Avocado switch boasts an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feel, providing a more pronounced and immersive typing sensation with a moderate to firm actuation force. While the Aqua switch emphasizes a light and effortless typing experience, the Avocado switch focuses on delivering a tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the BSUN Avocado tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch excels in providing a chirpy and clacky sound profile along with an easy-to-press and feathery typing feel, ideal for those seeking a lighter touch during typing. On the other hand, the Avocado switch delivers a more neutral sound signature and a tactile experience characterized by a pronounced, responsive bump and satisfying feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to a variety of users, ensuring that regardless of the choice, users can achieve a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Avocado tactile switch, you should consider your preferences in actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a satisfying tactile bump that is not overwhelming, the Avocado switch would suit your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, whether you prioritize a lighter touch with distinctive sound or a tactile sensation with a medium actuation force.
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