Dareu Aqua vs. KTT Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the KTT Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the KTT Cream Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, one can see that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua, a linear switch, is renowned for its super light 37g actuation force, making it easy to press and providing a feather-light typing experience. Its chirpy and clacky sound signature sets it apart, appealing to those who enjoy a lighter touch and distinctive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow, also a linear switch, stands out for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel. With a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, this switch delivers resonant audio feedback, creating a satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and KTT Cream Yellow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Aqua and Cream Yellow differ in their bottom housings, with the Aqua utilizing a nylon bottom housing and the Cream Yellow also featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Aqua and Cream Yellow share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housings set them apart. The different bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. In contrast, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when a key is released. Despite their differing bottom housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and KTT Cream Yellow may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. Both switches offer a mix of sharper, higher-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate top housing, along with deeper, fuller tones from the nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a clearer and more resonant sound or a duller and rounder sound may determine which switch is the best fit for your typing preferences. Regardless of which switch you choose, the combination of materials in each housing will provide a unique typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 50 grams, as opposed to the Aqua's lighter 37 grams. The bottom out force for the Cream Yellow is also higher at 58 grams compared to the Aqua's unknown value. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches can significantly impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Aqua more suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Cream Yellow would be ideal for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing feel and performance of a switch, and users should carefully consider their preferences when selecting between the Dareu Aqua and KTT Cream Yellow linear switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, while the Aqua has a longer travel distance at 4 mm. The Cream Yellow's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prioritize quick responsiveness, such as gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Aqua's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke for users who prefer a bit more depth to their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user in terms of typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so users can expect different results based on their individual 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 KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, giving it a distinctive auditory profile. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy audio feedback experience. Both switches are prized for their resonant sound profiles, with the Aqua having a chirpy edge, while the Cream Yellow delivers a crisp and bright clacky sound. Depending on your preference, you can expect similar results in sound quality from both switches, as they excel in providing a satisfying acoustic experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is favored for its easy-to-press sensation, requiring minimal force for key presses. This light actuation force promotes effortless typing and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Aqua switch is described as feathery, providing a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch offers a bouncy typing experience, thanks to its lengthened spring and unique design elements. This bounce-back sensation adds a layer of responsiveness to typing, making it an enjoyable choice for users seeking a lively feel in their switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Aqua being easy-to-press and feathery, while the Cream Yellow provides a bouncy and elastic feedback sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, as well as its easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Cream Yellow impresses with its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences in sound and feel, you can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch. Whether you prefer a lighter touch with a chirpy sound or a bouncy feel with a clacky sound, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Cream Yellow 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 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium actuation force with a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and how you envision your typing experience to be like.