Dareu Aqua vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Daybreak offer distinct characteristics to suit different preferences. The Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak switches boast a solid 67g actuation force, offering a heftier typing experience with quiet operation, making them perfect for environments where noise reduction is crucial. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to specific needs and 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Durock Daybreak both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, the overall sound and feel may still differ slightly based on other factors such as switch type and keycaps used.
In terms of bottom housings, the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Daybreak both feature nylon materials. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon bottom housings. Despite the similarities in using nylon for their bottom housings, the overall typing experience may differ slightly between the two keyboards due to other factors such as switch weight and design.
When comparing the overall typing experience of the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Daybreak, it's important to consider how the qualities of the top and bottom housings influence the sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing will be more noticeable when releasing a key. While both keyboards feature similar housing materials, subtle differences in design and construction may result in slightly different typing experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Aqua features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Daybreak's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Daybreak boasts a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, as opposed to the Aqua's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Aqua switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. In contrast, the Daybreak switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, catering to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, as well as the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Daybreak linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua being slightly longer. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Daybreak, while those who prefer a more robust feel when typing may opt for the Aqua. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific feel that each individual user is looking for in their keyboard.
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 Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
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 and distinct chirpy and clacky sound signature, providing a lively and percussive typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Daybreak linear switch provides a more subdued and muted sound profile, ideal for quieter environments where noise is a concern. The Aqua switch stands out with its chirpy and clacky qualities, appealing to those who enjoy a more audible typing experience, while the Daybreak switch caters to individuals looking for a quieter typing option without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Aqua offering a more vibrant and energetic typing experience compared to the Daybreak's more mellow and low-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch boasts an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, requiring minimal force and offering a responsive and low-impact feel. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is characterized by a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Aqua focusing on light actuation for effortless typing and the Daybreak emphasizing a polished finish for a sleek typing feel. Choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing resistance and key travel, with the Aqua offering a lighter touch and the Daybreak providing a smoother keystroke overall.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch each offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, along with its easy-to-press and feathery typing feel, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Daybreak switch delivers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, coupled with a polished and smooth typing feel, catering to individuals looking for a quieter and more refined typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, ensuring that both options provide a high-quality and satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a super light 37g actuation force and enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch is the way to go. This switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery feel, minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy 67g actuation force and a quiet, muted, and low-pitched sound, the Durock Daybreak switch is a better choice. This switch provides a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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