Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, delivering a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow boasts an innovative CAP structure that ensures remarkably smooth keystrokes, with aerodynamically designed stems and enhanced stability for a refined typing experience. Each switch is categorized by its own set of characteristics, from the Aqua's 'Chirpy' and 'Clacky' traits to the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's 'Buttery' and 'Thocky' attributes. While these general points may provide some insight, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will help you determine the best fit for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, we see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite this similarity, the switches differ in their top housing material. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Regarding the top housing, the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow have distinct differences in their materials. The Aqua utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature that creates a sharp and clear sound profile, ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. While the Aqua offers a crisper and higher-pitched sound, the Milky Yellow provides a rounder and duller sound, highlighting the impact that top housing material can have on the overall typing experience.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the choice between a polycarbonate and nylon top housing can significantly influence the typing experience on switches like the Dareu Aqua and Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow. With polycarbonate offering a sharper and clearer sound, while nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound, users can tailor their preferences based on the desired sound profile. The bottom housing, which is consistent in both switches using nylon, contributes to the overall typing experience by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Aqua and Milky Yellow switches showcase how material choice can impact the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua switch is unknown, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the Aqua switch may be more preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, perfect for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch provides a more substantial typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance. This similarity ensures that typing on keyboards equipped with either switch will result in a similar tactile experience in terms of keypress depth. Therefore, whether using the Dareu Aqua or the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow, users can expect to get comparable results in terms of travel distance.
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 Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10 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 is known for its unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, which adds a touch of liveliness and sharpness to key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch offers a thocky and bassy sound profile, providing a deep and rich acoustic experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Aqua focusing on a lighter and more lively sound, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow delivers a smoother and deeper tone.
Regarding feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience for a seamless typing sensation. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing feel, with the Aqua emphasizing a light and low-impact touch, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow ensures a uniform and effortless typing experience.
Considering the information provided, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua stands out for its light actuation force and chirpy/clacky sound signature, while the CAP V2 Milky Yellow excels in smooth keystrokes and enhanced stability. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, both switches provide excellent options to cater to different needs. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and value a smooth keystroke experience with a thocky and buttery sound profile, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what tactile and auditory feedback you prefer during typing sessions.
Mentioned in this article
