Dareu Aqua vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Kailh Box Royal offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua, a linear switch, is renowned for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, boasts a sharp, binary tactility that provides an almost aggressive typing experience. If you prioritize a feathery and easy-to-press feel, the Dareu Aqua may be the switch for you. However, if you crave sharp tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal could be your ideal choice. While these general comparisons can give you a good starting point, let's delve further into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Kailh Box Royal have distinct differences that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Box Royal's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound with a rounder quality. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate of the Aqua is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, whereas the classic nylon of the Box Royal offers a more traditional look.
On the other hand, both the Aqua and the Box Royal feature nylon bottom housings that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This shared characteristic results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound, with both switches offering a distinct tactile feedback. The split between the bottom and top housings allows each switch to leverage the unique qualities of their respective materials - the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and the Kailh Box Royal will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing experience. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound, ideal for those who enjoy a crisper typing experience, while the Box Royal's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound that may appeal to users seeking a more traditional keyboard feel. Both switches utilize nylon bottom housings to enhance sound absorption, resulting in a tactile typing experience that showcases the unique characteristics of each housing material.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. The Aqua switch does not have an available bottom out force, while the Box Royal has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. The difference in actuation force makes the Aqua switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Box Royal switch with its heavier actuation force provides a more substantial typing feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences, with the Aqua being lighter and the Box Royal being heavier in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, the Aqua has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Box Royal's 3.6 mm. The Aqua offers a more substantial press with its longer distance, allowing for a more deliberate key press. On the other hand, the Box Royal provides a slightly shallower press, which may be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua being on the longer end and the Box Royal on the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired key press 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 Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 signatures, providing a distinct auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, which may appeal to those who prefer sharper and crisper keypress noises. Both switches offer specific acoustic qualities that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them will ultimately come down to personal sound preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal effort to activate the keys. This light actuation force not only enhances typing speed but also reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The switch is described as feathery, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, providing a pronounced and crisp bump with each keypress. This intense feedback can be satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response while typing.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch excels in providing a unique chirpy and clacky sound profile, along with an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch delivers a higher-pitched sound and a sharp tactile feedback that stands out for its intensity. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a light touch and unique sound, the Aqua switch may be the way to go. Alternatively, if you crave aggressive tactility and a sharp sound, the Box Royal switch could be the perfect fit for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a light and effortless typing experience with a unique sound profile, then the Dareu Aqua linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more aggressive tactile feedback and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would cater to your preference. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a light touch and distinctive sound (Aqua) or a sharp tactile bump and higher pitched sound (Box Royal) in your mechanical keyboard switches. Choose wisely based on your personal typing preferences and needs.
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