Dareu Aqua vs. Durock Black Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Black Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Black Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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 Black Lotus boasts a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, with a 55g actuation weight that offers a substantial typing experience. While the Aqua is easy-to-press and feathery, the Black Lotus is characterized as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Black Lotus feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. However, the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing is especially designed for RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel. Despite these differences, both top housings contribute to a clear and resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Aqua and the Black Lotus use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With both switches utilizing nylon bottom housings, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This consistency in housing material helps maintain a cohesive sound profile throughout each keystroke.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is evident that the bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released. Despite variations in material composition, the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Black Lotus aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles influenced by their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch with the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, one significant difference is their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Black Lotus's heavier 55 grams. The bottom out force for the Aqua is unknown, while the Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Aqua may be more suitable. In contrast, the Black Lotus offers a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches provide different experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar level of travel distance. The 4 mm travel distance on both switches provides a consistent typing experience and ensures that the keys feel responsive and satisfying to use. Whether you choose the Dareu Aqua or the Durock Black Lotus, you can expect a reliable performance with a standard travel distance that is comfortable for typing and gaming.
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 Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, the Aqua stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, creating a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Black Lotus's sound profile is unknown, leaving us with less information to evaluate. Moving on to the feel, the Aqua switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, offering a light and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Black Lotus is known for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced wobble for enhanced precision. Overall, while the Aqua switch is favored for its light actuation force and distinctive sound, the Black Lotus excels in smoothness and precision. Depending on your preference for typing feel and sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user requirements. With similar actuation weight, both switches can deliver comparable results in terms of typing efficiency and responsiveness, making them suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the Durock Black Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a substantial 55g actuation weight and reduced stem wobble, the Durock Black Lotus switch would be more suited to your liking. Keep in mind that the Aqua offers a lighter touch and distinctive sound profile, while the Black Lotus provides a smooth and precise typing feel. Consider your typing needs and preferences carefully when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and it ultimately comes down to your individual preferences.
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