Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g present two intriguing options within the linear switch category, each appealing to different preferences. The Aqua excels with a super light 37g actuation force, offering a unique combination of a chirpy, clacky sound signature that brings a playful auditory experience to typing. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a lighter touch and appreciate a bit of feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g takes responsiveness to another level with its even lighter actuation force of 28g, producing a bright sound profile that delivers a crisp, high-pitched note with each keystroke. This makes it a top choice for those seeking an ultra-sensitive switch that emphasizes speed and precision. Ultimately, both switches provide a delightful typing experience, whether you prefer the Aqua's chirpy character or the Chiikawa's bright responsiveness; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, it is evident that both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in some shared auditory characteristics. The use of polycarbonate offers a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, giving both switches a clarity that appeals to many keyboard enthusiasts. Both materials emphasize translucency, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications. Aesthetically, the clear nature of the polycarbonate in both models enhances the visual experience when illuminated, maintaining consistency in terms of sound and visual qualities for users attracted to bright, glowing keyboards.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches differ as they are constructed from nylon, which is celebrated as a classic material in switch production. This nylon composition contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that contrasts with the crisper tones generated by the polycarbonate top housing. The softer nature of nylon allows for better sound absorption, creating a more rounded sound characteristic that enhances the overall typing experience. The shared use of nylon between the two models ensures that users will benefit from a similar auditory response when typing, grounded in a softer and more subdued acoustics typical of this material.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g utilize the same materials for both their top and bottom housings, the differences between their performances manifest through the interplay of these materials. The polycarbonate top housing predominantly influences the sound produced during key releases, while the nylon bottom housing affects the sound and feel during key presses. As a result, even if the specific housing designs vary, the functional outcomes—such as sound clarity and profile—remain consistent, allowing users to enjoy a well-rounded typing experience shared across both keyboard models.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when triggering a keystroke, while the Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, catering to those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Aqua switch remains unspecified, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in that regard. However, the Chiikawa's bottom out force is recorded at 34 grams, reinforcing its overall lighter profile compared to the Aqua. In summary, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is the heavier option, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience, whereas the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter choice, perfect for users seeking comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua offers a longer distance at 4 mm, while the Chiikawa - 28g features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The traditional travel distance of 4 mm provides a more pronounced key press, appealing to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Chiikawa's shorter travel distance may be favored by gamers looking for quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation and potentially better performance during gameplay. Ultimately, if you prefer the responsiveness associated with a shorter travel, the Chiikawa - 28g is the optimal choice; however, if you value a more substantial key press, the Aqua remains the better option.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g for $3.29.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is notable for its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile. The chirpy quality, which introduces a slight squeak, adds character, while the clacky component offers a crisp, sharp response that makes each keystroke satisfying. This combination creates a bright and percussive acoustic signature appealing to users who appreciate a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is also known for its bright sound profile, though the specifics of its sound characteristics are less detailed. Given the Chiikawa's emphasis on a very light actuation force, it likely complements a similar crisp auditory experience during typing, but the exact nuances remain unknown.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Aqua linear switch shines with its exceptionally light 37g actuation force that promotes an effortless typing experience. Its easy-to-press and feathery characteristics mean that minimal force is required to actuate the keys, significantly reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This responsive and low-impact feel is particularly beneficial for users who spend extended hours at the keyboard. Although detailed descriptions of the feel for the Chiikawa - 28g switch are not provided, the light actuation force suggests it might also offer a comfortable typing experience, potentially aligning it with the Aqua in terms of overall feel.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua and Chiikawa - 28g linear switches cater to those who favor lightweight, responsive designs, though their auditory qualities diverge with the Aqua's distinct chirpy and clacky sound versus the Chiikawa's bright profile. While Aquas provide an engaging auditory experience alongside an easy-going feel, the Chiikawa's specifics remain less explored. Regardless, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with minimal effort required for both switches, making them excellent options for anyone seeking a light and engaging mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a super light actuation force combined with a unique chirpy and clacky sound, which adds character to your typing experience, the Aqua is an excellent choice. It caters well to those who enjoy an effortless typing action with minimal finger fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or light gaming where rapid key presses are beneficial. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued yet still responsive experience with a clean and bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is the way to go. With its 34g bottom-out force, it strikes a finer balance between responsiveness and tactility, while still being light enough to reduce strain. This switch excels in settings that require both precision and clarity in sound, making it suitable for office work or focused tasks. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you desire the playful sound and lighter touch of the Aqua or the balanced and refined approach of the Chiikawa.
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