Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Blue Topaz
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Blue Topaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Blue Topaz mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches stand out in their own unique ways. The Aqua is known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz offers a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, coupled with a distinctive glittery housing that adds visual appeal to the clacky sound signature it produces. While both switches are categorized as easy-to-press and clacky, the Aqua caters to those looking for a feathery feel, whereas the Blue Topaz offers a breezy typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and HMX Blue Topaz both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, both switches with clear housings are likely to be made of polycarbonate, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the top housing of these switches will have a significant impact on the sound when a key is released.
On the other hand, the Dareu Aqua and HMX Blue Topaz have different bottom housings, with the Aqua featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing experience, emphasizing the qualities of nylon in terms of sound profile and feel when pressing down on a key.
While both switches have contrasting bottom housing materials, the similarities in their top housing materials bring out consistency in sound quality and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and HMX Blue Topaz will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, feel, and overall typing experience based on the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua is lighter in terms of actuation force with 37 grams compared to the Blue Topaz's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Aqua is unknown, while the Blue Topaz has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that it is a heavier switch overall. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to bottom out while typing. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Aqua for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier feel of the Blue Topaz for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua being slightly longer than the Blue Topaz. Gamers may prefer the Aqua for its slightly deeper keypress, which can provide a more satisfying feel during gameplay. On the other hand, those looking for a faster response time may opt for the Blue Topaz due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, providing a distinctive auditory experience for users. The chirpy sound adds a touch of whimsy to typing sessions, while the clacky sound delivers a sharp and percussive tone with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch also features a clacky sound signature that is crisp, bright, and snappy, offering a pleasing auditory feedback to users. While both switches produce a clacky sound, the Aqua stands out with its additional chirpy element, giving users a more varied sound experience.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Aqua and HMX Blue Topaz switches offer an easy-to-press typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. The light actuation force of the Aqua at 37g and the smooth actuation of the Blue Topaz make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feathery feel of the Aqua switch adds an extra layer of comfort for users, as it requires little exertion from the fingers, while the Blue Topaz's easy-to-press nature enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel.
Overall, both the Dareu Aqua and HMX Blue Topaz linear switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their light actuation forces and clacky sound signatures. While the Aqua provides a unique chirpy element to its sound profile and a feathery feel to its typing experience, the Blue Topaz stands out with its smooth actuation and distinctive glitter housing. Ultimately, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of ease of press and sound quality from both switches, with slight variations in their individual characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a distinctive typing experience with its feather-light feel and gentle resistance, perfect for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, coupled with a visually striking glittery housing and a clacky sound signature, the HMX Blue Topaz switch would be more suitable for you. It provides an easy-to-press typing experience with minimal strain on your fingers, enhancing both the auditory and visual aspects of your typing setup. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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