Dareu Aqua vs. Kailh Box White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Kailh Box White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing an easy-to-press feel with a chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White switch offers maximum audio feedback with a "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and a polished high-pitched resonance, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Aqua and the Kailh Box White feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, polycarbonate is great for switches that want to utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the light to shine through more effectively. This similarity in housing material means that users can expect a consistent sound profile and overall feel when typing on both switches.
On the other hand, the Aqua's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Box White's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to varying typing experiences between the two switches, with the Aqua providing a potentially more muted and smoother typing feel compared to the Box White.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Dareu Aqua and Kailh Box White switches affects the sound and feel in unique ways. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings in providing a clear and resonant sound profile, the Aqua's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Box White's polycarbonate bottom housing. These differences give users the opportunity to choose a switch based on their preferred typing experience, whether they prioritize a sharper sound profile or a deeper, more muted sound.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Kailh Box White clicky switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, which could affect the overall feel of typing on the keyboard. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Aqua switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier Box White switch. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience on a keyboard, and understanding these differences can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, it is evident that the Aqua has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua offers a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Box White provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times and may be favored by gamers. Both switches offer different feels and experiences when typing, with the Aqua providing a more substantial press and the Box White allowing for quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends 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 Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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 stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, offering a unique auditory experience with a light and distinctive tone. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White clicky switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. While the Aqua switch offers a softer and more subdued sound, the Box White switch delivers a more pronounced and sharp click with each keystroke, enhancing the overall auditory feedback during typing sessions.
As for feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery attributes, providing a light and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue and promotes comfortable extended typing sessions. On the contrary, the Kailh Box White switch offers a polished feel with smooth key travel, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing feel for users seeking a refined typing experience. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Aqua switch focusing on light actuation force for a gentle typing feel and the Box White switch emphasizing smooth key travel for a polished typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and Kailh Box White clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Aqua switch provides a lighter touch and chirpy sound, ideal for users seeking a softer typing experience, the Box White switch offers a more pronounced click and polished feel for those who desire maximum audio feedback and a refined typing sensation. Ultimately, users can expect unique and satisfying typing experiences with either switch, depending on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire maximum audio feedback with a medium actuation force and a sharp, crisp sound profile, the Box White clicky switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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