Dareu Aqua vs. Aflion Blue Sky
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Aflion Blue Sky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the Aflion Blue Sky mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aqua stands out for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Blue Sky is known for its crystal clear linear typing experience, offering a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. While the Aqua is easy-to-press and feathery, the Blue Sky is high-pitched and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Aqua and the Aflion Blue Sky feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. In terms of aesthetics and sound performance, both keyboards share similar characteristics in their top housing material.
However, where the two keyboards differ is in their bottom housing material. The Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Blue Sky also features a nylon bottom housing, meaning that both keyboards share the same material for the bottom housing. This suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either keyboard.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Dareu Aqua and Aflion Blue Sky keyboards offers a unique typing experience. Each housing material brings its own set of qualities to the keyboard, affecting the sound profiles when typing and releasing keys. While both keyboards share the same top housing material, the nylon bottom housing in both keyboards contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. Ultimately, users can expect a distinctive sound profile from each keyboard due to the combination of these different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Blue Sky's heavier 50 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unknown, while the Blue Sky requires a medium 60 grams for bottoming out. These variations in force requirements cater to different preferences among users. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aqua switch, which allows for easier and potentially longer typing sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Blue Sky switch with its higher forces for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing comfort and overall feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is identical, each measuring at 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar tactile experience when pressed down on a key, allowing for consistent performance in terms of key travel. As a result, users can expect to get similar results in terms of typing feel and responsiveness when using either switch. In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua and Aflion Blue Sky linear switches offer the same travel distance, making them equally suitable choices for those seeking a smooth and efficient typing experience.
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 Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
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 profiles, providing a distinctive auditory experience for users who prefer a lighter touch and a more lively typing sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch boasts a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, delivering a sharp and crisp typing sound suitable for a wide range of users. The choice of sound between the Aqua and Blue Sky switches will come down to personal preference, with the Aqua providing a more playful and energetic sound, while the Blue Sky offers a cleaner and sharper sound.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is highlighted for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light and gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In comparison, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a comfortable and smooth typing feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Aqua emphasizing light actuation force and minimal finger exertion, while the Blue Sky focuses on a refined and polished key press.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua and Aflion Blue Sky linear switches each offer their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a high-pitched and neutral sound with a mild and polished typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches on your preferred keyboard and keycap setup will give you the best understanding of which one aligns with your personal preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, you should choose the Aqua if you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and a unique typing experience. On the other hand, you should opt for the Blue Sky if you prefer a medium actuation force and a crystal clear typing experience with a high-pitched and neutral sound profile. This switch is suitable for those looking for a more polished and gentle typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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