Dareu Aqua vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Dolphin offer unique features and characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is a linear switch with a super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is easy to press and feels feathery. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin is also a linear switch but features a medium-heavy 62g actuation force, offering a polished and muted sound profile with a low-pitched feel. While the Aqua is great for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Dolphin is ideal for those who prioritize a silent 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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 Dolphin both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for a visually appealing effect. On the other hand, while both keyboards have nylon bottom housing, typing on switches with nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound compared to harder plastics. The nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Dolphin, the differences lie in the overall sound profiles they produce. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing leads to a more resonant sound when pressing down on a key, while the nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharp and clear sound on key release, and the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. These distinctions highlight how the combination of different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Dolphin offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both keyboards creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. Whether choosing the Aqua or the Dolphin, users can expect a rich sound profile that enhances their typing satisfaction. Additionally, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches allows for a balanced distribution of sound qualities, ensuring a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Dolphin is heavier with a bottom out force of 62 grams. The actuation force for the Dolphin is not provided, but we can assume it is likely heavier than the Aqua due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Aqua would be a suitable choice, while those who prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Dolphin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Aqua being slightly longer than the Dolphin. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Aqua with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and response time.
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 Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from others, providing a crisp and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a more discreet choice for quieter environments. Both switches offer distinct auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Aqua's chirpy and clacky sounds contrasting with the Dolphin's muted and low-pitched tones. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a more lively and distinctive sound or a quieter and more subtle typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined key press with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Aqua excels in providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel, the Dolphin focuses on delivering a sleek and polished typing experience that enhances overall typing fluidity. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that caters to different typing preferences, with the Aqua prioritizing light actuation force and comfort, while the Dolphin emphasizes smoothness and refinement.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound profile and easy-to-press, feathery feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lively typing experience with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Dolphin's muted and low-pitched sound, along with its polished feel, caters to users looking for a quieter typing experience with smooth key travel. While both switches provide unique characteristics, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance based on their personal preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a super light actuation force of 37g and enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch is the way to go. It provides a unique typing experience that is gentle on your fingers and delivers a distinct sound profile. On the other hand, if you require a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g for a more substantial feel, the Dolphin switch is your best choice. It offers a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, making it ideal for office environments or any workspace where noise levels are a concern. Evaluate these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment. Ultimately, the decision between the Aqua and Dolphin switches comes down to personal preference and specific requirements.
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