Dareu Aqua vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound with a breezy actuation force of 37g, making it a top choice for clicky switch enthusiasts seeking a tactile experience without feeling burdensome. While the Aqua is categorized as chirpy, clacky, and easy-to-press, the Brother is known for being crunchy, easy-to-press, and stepped. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and TTC Brother both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This is advantageous for those looking for a more clear and resonant sound in their keyboard switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing aesthetic. While both switches share this housing material for their tops, the differences in their bottom housings will provide unique typing experiences.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Aqua and Brother utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. This choice of material for the bottom housing of both keyboards contributes to a more tactile and satisfying typing experience, particularly in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. While the top housings may produce a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall typing experience.
Although the Dareu Aqua and TTC Brother share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the distribution of these materials will provide unique effects on the sound and feel of each switch. The Aqua's stiffer polycarbonate top housing will result in a sharper sound when releasing a key, while the Brother's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Ultimately, the combination of these different housing materials in each keyboard creates a diverse typing experience for users to enjoy based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch both have an actuation force of 37 grams, making them equally light switches in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, which means that it is unclear how much force is needed to press the keys all the way down. When considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while others may favor a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, without knowing the bottom out force for either switch, it is difficult to determine which one is lighter or heavier in terms of overall force required for typing.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. In this case, the Brother clicky switch has the shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua linear switch. The Aqua switch's 4mm distance is more traditional and offers a deeper press, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Brother clicky switch's 3.5mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster keystroke speeds. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 sounds, giving it a distinctive acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its satisfyingly crunchy sound that resonates with each press, appealing to fans of clicky switches. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aqua having a lighter and more distinct sound, while the Brother provides a crisp and precise click.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aqua is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery nature, offering minimal resistance and requiring little exertion from the fingers. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Brother switch also falls into the category of easy-to-press switches, providing gentle resistance that makes typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, the Brother switch is described as having a stepped feel, offering a tactile experience with distinct stages during the keystroke.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua excels in providing a light and chirpy sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, making it ideal for those seeking a light and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Brother clicky switch stands out with its crunchy click sound and easy-to-press nature, coupled with a stepped tactile feel for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you opt for the Aqua or the Brother, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience that meets the needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the TTC Brother clicky switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, the Dareu Aqua switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a fan of clicky switches with a breezy actuation force and a crunchy sound profile that delivers clear, crisp precision, then the TTC Brother switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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