Dareu Aqua vs. Durock Blue Lotus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Blue Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offer distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard users. The Aqua stands out for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus switch from Durock offers a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, with a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm for a pronounced tactile feel. While the Aqua is best suited for those who enjoy easy-to-press and feathery switches, the Blue Lotus is ideal for users who appreciate accented, bassy, snappy, and stepped switches. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Blue Lotus, we see that both keyboards feature top housings made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. The Aqua's polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, giving it an added aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend housing offers a unique and premium feel, potentially providing a different typing experience compared to the Aqua.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Blue Lotus feature nylon housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both keyboards ensures a consistent typing experience, despite any differences in the top housing material.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Blue Lotus differ, the overall typing experience may not vary significantly. The bottom housing material will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing the key. Both keyboards offer a premium typing experience with their unique housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Blue Lotus's heavier 55 grams. The bottom out force of the Blue Lotus is also heavier at 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Aqua is unknown. This means that the Aqua may feel lighter and require less force to press down compared to the Blue Lotus. Individuals who prefer a lighter key press and a more effortless typing experience may lean towards the Aqua, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and a stronger push may favor the Blue Lotus. Both switches offer different experiences based on actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a more traditional feel with a bit more depth to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Aqua offering a bit more depth and the Blue Lotus offering a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Blue 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 Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, creating a distinct auditory experience during typing. The chirpy sound adds a touch of whimsy, while the clacky sound provides a sharp and percussive quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While the Aqua switch leans towards a lighter and brighter sound, the Blue Lotus switch provides a more resonant and substantial auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is recognized for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force not only makes typing effortless and comfortable but also reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Aqua switch is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press, further enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers an accented tactile feel, providing a moderate amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Coupled with its snappy responsiveness and stepped tactile sensation, the Blue Lotus switch offers a dynamic and engaging typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Aqua switch excels in providing a light and chirpy sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus switch delivers a bassy sound with accented tactility, snappy responsiveness, and a stepped tactile sensation, appealing to those who enjoy a more dynamic and engaging typing experience. Regardless of personal preference, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience and cater to a variety of preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a blend of tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and a detachable light column for RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style, sound preferences, and overall typing experience you are looking for. Choose wisely and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience with either of these exceptional switches.
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