Dareu Aqua vs. Everglide Bamboo Green
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Bamboo Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, it's easy to see the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Aqua stands out with its 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 Bamboo Green offers a clacky sound along with a crisp and sparkling tactility, giving it a different typing experience. While the Aqua is easy-to-press and feathery, the Bamboo Green is stepped, high-pitched, accented, sharp, resonant, and polished. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
43g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Bamboo Green both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, creating unique sound profiles for each switch. The Aqua uses a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Bamboo Green opts for a PBT top housing, which provides a more neutral sound profile that is neither too sharp nor too dull. This difference in top housing material contributes to the overall auditory experience of using each switch.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and less crisp sound compared to the Bamboo Green's PBT bottom housing, which also offers a neutral sound profile. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press.
Overall, while the Dareu Aqua and Everglide Bamboo Green may differ in their choice of housing materials, they both aim to deliver a unique typing experience to users. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua creates a sharper sound profile, whereas the PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green offers a more neutral sound experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Aqua provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the PBT bottom housing of the Bamboo Green maintains a neutral sound profile. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in the actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Bamboo Green's 43 grams, making the Aqua easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bamboo Green requires a heavier force of 62 grams compared to the Aqua's unknown bottom out force. This means that for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and do not mind a heavier push feel, the Bamboo Green might be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may prefer the Aqua. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel as the switch moves from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results. It is worth noting that having the same travel distance can contribute to consistency in typing and gaming experiences, as the keys will feel similar to use regardless of which switch is being used.
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 Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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, characterized by a light and sharp tone that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch provides a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, delivering a cleaner and sharper auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Aqua switch may appeal to those who enjoy a lighter and more distinctive sound, while the Bamboo Green switch caters to individuals who prefer a crisper and more refined audio feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery characteristics, offering a gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Everglide Bamboo Green switch provides a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile experience, giving users a distinct tactile bump with a smooth and refined key travel. Those who prefer a more defined and pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the Bamboo Green switch, while the Aqua switch would be favored by those seeking a lighter and effortless typing feel.
Overall, both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Aqua switch excels in providing a unique chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, the Bamboo Green switch delivers a high-pitched and resonant sound along with a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished tactile sensation. Depending on whether you prioritize sound uniqueness with lighter typing experience or prefer a crisper sound with a more defined tactile feedback, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Dareu Aqua if you prefer a super light 37g actuation force, a chirpy and clacky sound signature, and an easy-to-press, feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, opt for the Everglide Bamboo Green if you prefer a medium 62g bottom out force, a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility, and a switch that offers a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feel.
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