Dareu Aqua vs. SP-Star Ayara
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the SP-Star Ayara switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and SP-Star Ayara both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua, a linear switch, is known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a lighter touch. On the other hand, the SP-Star Ayara, also a linear switch, offers a medium heftiness that delivers a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. While the Aqua is easy-to-press and feathery, the Ayara is neutral, high-pitched, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Two-stage
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the SP-Star Ayara, one key difference is that the Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Ayara has a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a more resonant sound when typing on the Aqua with its polycarbonate top housing, compared to the Ayara with its nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Aqua and Ayara utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, providing a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on either the Aqua or the Ayara, the bottom-out sound and feel will be impacted by the nylon bottom housing. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the overall sound differences between the two switches can still arise from the variations in their top housings.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Aqua and the SP-Star Ayara share a nylon bottom housing, their top housings differ in materials, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, accentuated by its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ayara's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch, it is evident that they each offer a different typing experience. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly and efficiently. In contrast, the Ayara does not specify its actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more solid and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The Aqua's lack of information on bottom out force makes it difficult to determine how it compares in this aspect, but it is clear that the Ayara is heavier in this regard. Ultimately, the Aqua would be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Ayara would be better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel while typing.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of linear switches, having the same measurement means that users can expect a consistent feel and experience when typing on either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the typing experience will be uniform regardless of which switch is chosen. Whether you opt for the Dareu Aqua or the SP-Star Ayara linear switch, you can expect a comfortable typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance, providing a smooth and responsive feel with every keystroke.
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 SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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 sound signatures, giving it a distinctive appeal for those who enjoy a lighter touch with a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch provides a clacky sound profile with a medium heftiness, appealing to those who prefer a hearty typing experience. While the Aqua produces a chirpy and clacky sound, the Ayara yields a neutral and high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will come down to personal preference and how they are influenced by the keyboard, keycaps, and other setup factors.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua is designed for an easy-to-press experience with a feathery touch, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the contrary, the Ayara switch is noted for its polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether you prefer an effortless and low-impact typing feel or a sleek and polished typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua stands out with its light actuation force and chirpy, clacky sound signature, while the Ayara provides a medium heftiness and clacky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Aqua offers an easy-to-press and feathery touch, while the Ayara provides a polished and smooth typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on individual typing habits and desired sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance in their respective areas, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the SP-Star Ayara linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound, the Aqua switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force for a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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