Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and HMX Cheese mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese offers unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. While the Dareu Aqua is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Feathery', the HMX Cheese falls into a category of its own with its ultra-light design. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Cheese, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches will likely produce a similar typing experience in terms of the sound profile created by the bottom housing.
However, when examining the top housing materials, a noticeable difference can be found between the two switches. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Cheese utilizes a nylon top housing, which also creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, but with a more muted and less sharp quality compared to polycarbonate. This contrast in top housing materials highlights the potential differences in sound experience between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches can greatly impact the typing experience and sound profile they produce. While both the Aqua and the Cheese share a nylon bottom housing, their use of different top housing materials, polycarbonate and nylon respectively, leads to distinct sound characteristics. The Aqua will likely have a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Cheese will offer a deeper and fuller sound with a more rounded quality thanks to its nylon top housing. These differences in housing materials allow for unique typing experiences and sound profiles to cater to the preferences of individual users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua is lighter in both aspects. The Aqua has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Cheese has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. Similarly, the Aqua has an unknown bottom out force, while the Cheese has a bottom out force of 46 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully press the key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Aqua may be the better choice, while those who prefer a more solid and substantial typing feel may opt for the slightly heavier Cheese switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two 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 Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance than the Cheese, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Cheese switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers for its quicker response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer unique advantages, so choosing between them will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
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 Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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, adding a touch of whimsy to each keystroke. The HMX Cheese linear switch, on the other hand, delivers a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound, creating a distinctive typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feathery feel of the switch adds to the overall comfort and responsiveness, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize typing ease. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch provides unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience, further enhancing the overall tactile feedback. Both switches offer a unique typing feel that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
Taking into account the sound and feel aspects of both switches, it is evident that the Dareu Aqua and HMX Cheese linear switches each have their own distinct qualities that appeal to different users. While the Aqua switch offers a chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Cheese switch provides a clacky, poppy sound with unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and satisfaction, ensuring a delightful typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want an ultra-light switch with unparalleled smoothness and a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound, then the HMX Cheese switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preference and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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