Dareu Aqua vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch. The Aqua is known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet offers a light operating force of 45g and a gentle, comfortable tactile typing experience with a pleasantly mellow sound profile. While the Aqua is best suited for those who enjoy an easy-to-press and feathery typing feel, the Crystal Violet is ideal for users looking for a creamy, low-pitched, and stepped tactile typing experience. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Crystal Violet both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Aqua utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing offers a lower-pitched sound profile, giving a different typing experience compared to the Aqua. Despite their differences, both housings allow for the use of RGB lighting due to their translucent nature.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Aqua incorporates a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Crystal Violet features an ABS bottom housing, contributing to a relatively low-pitched sound when using the switches. Although both switches have different bottom housing materials, they each offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Crystal Violet have contrasting housing materials in both the top and bottom, each contributes to the overall typing experience in a distinct way. Whether it's the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate in the Aqua or the lower-pitched sound of ABS in the Crystal Violet, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, it is clear that the Crystal Violet has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aqua's 37 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Crystal Violet at 55 grams is also higher than the Aqua's undefined bottom out force. This means that the Crystal Violet switch requires more force to register a keystroke and to fully press down compared to the Aqua switch. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua switch might be the better option due to its lower actuation force. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience may find the Crystal Violet switch more suitable due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for force sensitivity.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose to use the Aqua linear switch or the Crystal Violet tactile switch, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. With both switches offering a travel distance of 4 mm, there is no difference in this aspect between the two, making them equally suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific travel distance in their switches.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, it is evident that they offer distinct auditory experiences. The Aqua switch is characterized by a chirpy and clacky sound profile, providing a unique and sharp acoustic signature that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switch produces a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound, offering a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Both switches excel in their sound profiles, with the Aqua being more vibrant and the Crystal Violet leaning towards a smoother and more relaxing tone.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Aqua switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery characteristics, offering a light and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue and enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Crystal Violet switch provides a creamy and mild typing experience, ensuring smooth and buttery key presses that glide seamlessly and comfortably under your fingertips. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switch offers a stepped feel that provides a more moderate tactile sensation compared to other switches with more pronounced characteristics.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer unique and commendable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua switch excels in providing a chirpy and clacky sound along with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Crystal Violet switch offers a mellow and low-pitched sound with a creamy and mild typing experience that is comfortable and smooth. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs and preferences for an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, whether opting for the Aqua or Crystal Violet switch, users can expect high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a super light actuation force and a distinct chirpy and clacky sound profile, the Aqua switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, the Crystal Violet switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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