Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Dareu Aqua linear switch is celebrated for its remarkably light 37g actuation force, which allows for effortless keystrokes while delivering a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch and a more expressive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch offers a slightly heavier 45g actuation force while maintaining a bright, crisp sound that responds swiftly to each keystroke. This switch may be an appealing choice for users who desire a bit more resistance and enjoy a pronounced typing sound without the added weight of tactile bumps. Both switches cater to different preferences regarding actuation force and sound characteristics; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
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
The Dareu Aqua and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches both feature polycarbonate top housings that provide distinct acoustic properties and aesthetic advantages. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is especially pronounced in the design of both switches, making the polycarbonate top housing a crucial element for users who appreciate a resonant sound, particularly when utilizing RGB lighting. With clear housings in both models, enthusiasts are likely to enjoy a visually appealing effect as light passes through the switches, enhancing the overall aesthetic and experience during use.
In contrast, while both switches share the same material for the top housing, they utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in differing auditory experiences. Nylon is celebrated for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer, more absorbent nature. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a rich, rounded sound when they press down due to the nylon’s ability to dampen sound—making it less sharp compared to a harder plastic. Therefore, while the top housings contribute to a crisper sound when releasing the key, the bottom housings will significantly influence the typing experience by providing a more muted but satisfying auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Dareu Aqua and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g ensures that each model produces a well-rounded sound profile that appeals to different preferences. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect similar results in their overall typing experience. The clearer sound from the polycarbonate tops marries well with the warmer tones produced by the nylon bottoms, creating a harmonious balance in auditory feedback. Both switches thus maintain the benefits of polycarbonate's crispness and nylon's fullness, leading to a versatile and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces, with the Aqua requiring a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Chiikawa's 45 grams. This makes the Aqua switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming. Conversely, the Chiikawa switch offers a heftier actuation force, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push feel that provides a more substantial tactile experience. While the bottom out force is unknown for the Aqua, the Chiikawa has a defined bottom out force of 51 grams, contributing to its overall medium-light feel when fully pressed down. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Dareu Aqua stands out, whereas the Bsun Chiikawa offers a heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Aqua measuring 4 mm and the Chiikawa measuring 3.6 mm. This means that the Aqua has a longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced and substantial feel for users who prefer the depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Chiikawa aligns with the recent trend towards quicker response times favored by gamers seeking agility in their keystrokes. Therefore, while the Aqua caters to those who appreciate a more traditional and hearty typing experience, the Chiikawa offers a snappier feel that may be preferred by those who enjoy rapid execution without the depth.
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 - 45g 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 - 45g 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 introduces a slight squeak, giving it a distinctive acoustic character, while the clack adds a crisp, bright, and percussive element that makes for an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is also known for its bright sound profile, producing a high-pitched acoustic signature that is notably responsive. While the Chiikawa's specific sound characteristics aren’t detailed, it’s likely that with its light actuation force, it may deliver a similarly crisp sound during key presses. This suggests that users of both switches could enjoy a lively auditory experience, albeit with the Aqua's additional complexity in sound.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch provides an exceptionally light touch, characterized as easy-to-press and feathery. This means that users will find minimal resistance when activating the key, promoting a comfortable typing experience that helps to reduce finger fatigue, which is particularly beneficial for lengthy typing sessions. Although the specific feel attributes of the Chiikawa - 45g are not elaborated upon, its description of being characterized by a very light actuation force suggests a similar ease of use. Thus, both switches likely offer a plush typing experience ideal for users who prefer comfort during extended use.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Aqua linear and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches have their unique identities, they share core qualities that appeal to those looking for light, responsive switches. The Aqua's chirpy and clacky sound profile combined with its feathery feel creates an engaging typing experience, while the Chiikawa switch maintains a bright sound and light activation that likely offers comfort and responsiveness as well. Ultimately, users can expect a delightful typing experience from both options, with the Aqua providing slightly more complexity in sound, while the Chiikawa focuses on crisp, high-pitched acoustics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and the type of experience you are seeking. If you desire a switch that provides a remarkably light and effortless typing experience, the Aqua is an excellent option. With its 37g actuation force, it facilitates quick and easy presses, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without the worry of finger fatigue. The distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature adds a unique character, perfect if you appreciate auditory feedback while typing. However, if you prefer a slightly more pronounced resistance and a sound profile that emphasizes a crisp, high-pitched tone, the Chiikawa - 45g could be your go-to choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams grants you a satisfying tactile response without being overly taxing, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks. In essence, if you lean towards feeling lightness and enjoy a mix of fun sounds, the Aqua is your match; but if you seek a balance of feedback and a more refined auditory experience, the Chiikawa - 45g is the way to go.
Mentioned in this article
