Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly enhance the typing experience, and two notable options are the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Cliff. The Aqua is a linear switch that requires an impressively light actuation force of just 37g, providing users with a feather-light touch that feels effortless, complemented by its unique combination of chirpy and clacky sound signatures. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who prefer a swift keystroke without the noise that may disrupt their concentration. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff is a tactile switch known for its medium tactility and crisp sound, offering users a satisfying feedback that can help in precise typing and gaming scenarios. This switch appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced response with each keypress, promoting a tactile typing experience that can enhance accuracy. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards the feather-light, smooth action of the Aqua or the pronounced feedback of the Cliff. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and Bsun Cliff share several characteristics in their housing materials, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top sections, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to the production of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enriching the auditory experience during use. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for vibrant illumination that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of both switches. Since both switches employ the same top housing material, users can expect similar sound characteristics and lighting responsiveness, ensuring a consistent experience across both models.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Dareu Aqua and Bsun Cliff is made from nylon, which offers distinctive sound qualities that differ from those of polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic, which tends to absorb more sound and results in a deeper and more rounded sound profile. This material's unique sound dampening capabilities contribute to a more pleasant typing experience, particularly when bottoming out. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the feel and acoustics of a switch during typing, users can anticipate a fuller, more resonant sound from both the Aqua and Cliff, despite the variations in their top housing materials. This combination of materials showcases the thoughtful design behind each switch, balancing the clarity of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Aqua and Bsun Cliff feature identical materials in their top and bottom housings, the interplay between these materials shapes their overall performance and auditory characteristics. The resonance and clarity of polycarbonate in the top housing work in concert with the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon at the bottom, creating a cohesive experience when interacting with either switch. Users can expect similar results in sound profile and aesthetics due to these shared materials, allowing for a unique but consistent typing experience across different brands. This makes both the Aqua and Cliff appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a reliable and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch have some interesting similarities and differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact user experience. Both switches feature an actuation force of 37 grams, which makes them equally light when it comes to triggering a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will find comparable responsiveness when typing or gaming, making either switch suitable for prolonged use. However, the key distinction lies in the bottom out force; the Cliff switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which provides a more substantial feel when pressed all the way down, catering to those who prefer a stronger push for their typing experience. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unknown, leaving it uncertain how it ranks in terms of weight during the actuation phase. Therefore, while both switches may deliver similar actuation experiences, the heavier bottom out force of the Cliff switch may appeal to those looking for more feedback, while the Aqua switch is potentially lighter overall, pending information about its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, the Aqua features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is relatively traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the Cliff has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer a more responsive experience that allows for quicker key presses. The difference between the two switches may appeal to different user preferences: the Aqua's longer travel could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, while the Cliff’s shorter travel may suit gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, while both switches serve their respective purposes, the Aqua offers a more pronounced depth compared to the Cliff's more rapid actuation.
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 Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 features a unique chirpy and clacky signature, which provides a distinctive auditory experience compared to other switches. The chirpy aspect adds a slight squeak, giving it a playful tone, while the clacky quality produces a sharp, bright, and percussive sound that can be particularly satisfying during fast typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch delivers a crisp sound signature, although specific descriptors for its sound quality have not been provided. The spacing of the tactile bump may contribute to an engaging acoustic feedback, but without direct comparisons, it's difficult to gauge how they match up in an overall experience compared to the Aqua.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is designed to be exceptionally easy to press, with a very low actuation force of 37g. This creates a typing experience that feels light and effortless, minimizing finger fatigue even during prolonged use. The feathery characteristic enhances this by allowing for minimal exertion, making it a great choice for long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the Cliff switch does not have specific tactile feel descriptions available, making it challenging to compare touch sensations directly. However, tactile switches typically hold a distinct feel through their tactile bump, which could introduce a more engaging typing sensation that encourages precise keystrokes.
In summary, if you prefer a lighter, more playful typing experience with the audibly unique sound of chirpiness and crispiness, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is an excellent choice. Its easy-to-press and feathery feel caters well to long-term use, whereas the Cliff tactile switch may offer a different experience in sound and feel that could be appealing depending on personal preference. Without additional data on the Cliff, it’s tough to draw definitive comparisons, but both may produce satisfying outcomes in their ways, making your choice largely dependent on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a lighter touch and enjoy a playful acoustic signature, the Aqua is an excellent pick. Its feathery feel and super light actuation force make it perfect for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, where reducing finger fatigue is essential. Additionally, the chirpy and clacky sounds can add a delightful auditory feedback that many users find appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile response while typing, the Cliff switch is your go-to option. Its medium tactility and crisp sound make it suitable for users who enjoy a bit more feedback with each keystroke, allowing for a more satisfying typing experience. With a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Cliff strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, making it ideal for both general use and gaming. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, so consider how you mainly use your keyboard to make the best selection for your needs.
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