Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often vary based on user experience and typing style. The Dareu Aqua switch stands out with its feather-light 37g actuation force, appealing to those who appreciate a breezy keystroke and a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound profile. This makes it an ideal option for individuals who prefer a less-straining touch, as well as a more playful auditory experience during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switch offers a different allure with its full nylon construction and smooth performance, enabling users to enjoy a rich and sharp sound profile thanks to the Ly stem. This switch caters to those who prioritize a tactile experience coupled with a premium build quality. While both switches are linear and provide smooth actuation, their unique characteristics cater to different 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and HMX Deep Navy switches exhibit contrasting characteristics when it comes to their housing materials, particularly in the top housing. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for producing a higher-pitched, sharper, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, leading to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic quality of switches equipped with RGB lighting, as the light can diffuse beautifully through the top housing. In contrast, the Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, a material known for delivering a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon absorb more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, users of the Aqua may find the keys more vibrant and pleasing in terms of upper octave responses, while Deep Navy enthusiasts will likely appreciate the mellowness and warmth of their typing experience.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Deep Navy switches employ nylon materials, and thus they share several acoustic properties in this region. Since nylon serves as a classic switch housing material noted for its sound-dampening capabilities, both switches will offer a similar deep and full sound profile when the keys bottom out. The characteristics of nylon contribute to a softened auditory experience that effectively absorbs sound, resulting in quieter keystrokes. While the top housings diverge in material and therefore sound production, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a familiar tactile feel and muted noise during typing, regardless of the preference for high-pitched clarity or lower resonance above.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials dictate the overall sound profiles and tactile experiences of the Dareu Aqua and HMX Deep Navy switches. While the Aqua's polycarbonate top imparts a sharper sound and enhances RGB lighting effects, the Deep Navy’s nylon top provides a rounded and softer auditory experience. However, the commonality in nylon bottom housing means users of either switch can enjoy a consistent deep thump when bottoming out, uniting their experiences despite the differing upper housing qualities. Consequently, whether a user prefers the clarity of the Aqua or the warmth of the Deep Navy, both options can still yield enjoyable results thanks to the shared properties of the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, significant differences can be observed in their actuation forces. The Aqua switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance during typing sessions, which can lead to less fatigue over extended periods. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Notably, the Deep Navy switch also includes a defined bottom out force of 45 grams, which indicates the pressure required when the key is fully pressed down—data which is currently unavailable for the Aqua switch. Without a bottom out force available for the Aqua, it is difficult to explore this aspect of its performance. As a result, potential users seeking a lighter feel will find the Aqua more appealing, while those desiring a heavier tactile feedback should consider the Deep Navy, which provides both a heavier actuation and a defined bottom out experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference can significantly affect the typing experience; while the Aqua provides a deeper press that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt, the Deep Navy caters to those who prefer a snappier response, thanks to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, often favor shorter distances for quicker reactions, whereas users who appreciate a fuller feel may lean towards the Aqua. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference regarding how much travel distance contributes to the overall typing or gaming experience.
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 HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
The sound profiles of the Dareu Aqua and HMX Deep Navy switches exhibit distinct characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The Aqua switch is notable for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, creating a playful yet sharp auditory experience. Its chirpy quality lends a slight squeak to typists, contributing to an engaging sensation while typing. In contrast, while the Deep Navy switch boasts a rich sound profile, specifics are less defined; its full nylon construction suggests a potentially deep and resonant tone, though detailed descriptors of this switch's acoustic signature are not provided. This indicates that the specific auditory qualities of the Deep Navy may vary significantly depending on the setup, including the keyboard and keycaps used.
When considering the tactile experience, the Dareu Aqua linear switch's easy-to-press and feathery characteristics shine through. With an actuation force of just 37g, these switches demand minimal effort to activate, making them highly suitable for prolonged use without inducing finger fatigue. This gentle resistance promotes a responsive and enjoyable typing experience, especially beneficial for activities like gaming or typing sessions. Meanwhile, information regarding the feel of the HMX Deep Navy switch is not available, which leaves a gap in comparing the tactile engagement of these options. Therefore, while the Aqua provides undeniable ease and comfort, it remains unclear how the Deep Navy measures up in terms of tactile feedback.
In summary, both the Dareu Aqua and HMX Deep Navy linear switches cater to different user experiences, especially in sound and tactile quality. The Aqua presents a light actuation force and a playful sound profile perfect for those who enjoy an effortless touch and lively feedback. On the other hand, while the Deep Navy showcases a potentially rich sound described as sharp, its tactile properties remain unspecified. Individuals who appreciate lighter switches may find satisfaction in either switch, but for those specifically seeking auditory and tactile nuances, the Aqua stands out with its defined characteristics, while the Deep Navy awaits further exploration for a comprehensive understanding.
Conclusion
To conclude, when determining whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a feather-light touch and appreciate a unique auditory experience that combines chirpy and clacky sounds, the Aqua is an ideal choice for you. Its low actuation force of 37g allows for effortless key presses, making it perfect for extended typing sessions, gaming marathons, or anyone who prefers a lighter switch to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prioritize a richer, sharper sound profile and a more robust actuation force—45g in this case—the Deep Navy may suit you better. Its full nylon construction contributes to its durability and gives it a smooth typing feel that can enhance your overall experience, especially for those who value a more tactile feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should align with your comfort in typing force, your preference for auditory feedback, and how you intend to use your keyboard, be it for work, gaming, or a mix of both.
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