Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Aqua stands out for its super light 37g actuation force and chirpy, clacky sound signature, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit features a long pole stem for a sharp bottom-out and significant tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each press. The clacky sound signature of the Dragon Fruit adds to its invigorating and engaging typing experience. While both switches have their strengths, such as the easy-to-press and feathery feel of the Aqua and the sharp and snappy tactility of the Dragon Fruit, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Dragon Fruit utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting due to its translucency. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent sound experience with a focus on clarity and sharpness.
In contrast, the Aqua features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect of creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and fullness.
When considering the overall sound profile of a switch, the combination of different housing materials plays a crucial role. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Dragon Fruit may have different top and bottom housing materials, the split in qualities between the two components allows for a balanced and nuanced typing experience that caters to different sound preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Aqua is unknown, while the Dragon Fruit has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. The lighter actuation force of the Aqua switch may be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it could potentially reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Dragon Fruit switch may be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required to activate keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is 3.4 mm. The Aqua switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dragon Fruit switch. The Aqua switch's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional key feel, offering a balance between sensitivity and depth. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit switch's 3.4 mm travel distance is shallower, making it preferred by gamers for its quicker response times. Both switches offer unique experiences based on personal preferences, with the Aqua switch offering a bit more depth and the Dragon Fruit switch providing a faster and more responsive keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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 combination of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, creating an audio experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch provides a lively and engaging typing experience with its clacky sound signature. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience, whether you prefer a lighter touch with chirpy sounds or a more pronounced tactile bump with clacky noises.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is known for its easy-to-press nature and feathery feel, offering minimal resistance and light actuation force for a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback with its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Aqua being lighter and easier to press, while the Dragon Fruit offers a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua switch provides a lighter touch and distinctive sound profile, the Dragon Fruit switch delivers a more tactile experience with a sharper feedback and engaging sound signature. Depending on your preference for typing feel and sound, you can achieve different typing experiences with these switches. Whether you choose the Aqua or Dragon Fruit, you can expect a quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch would be a distinctive choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a medium-heavy switch with significant tactile feedback, a sharp and definitive bottom-out, and a satisfying bump at each press, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch would provide a lively and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preference for actuation force, sound signature, and tactile feedback to enhance your overall typing or gaming experience.