Dareu Aqua vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and HMX EMO both offer unique attributes for enthusiasts seeking an engaging typing experience, yet they cater to slightly different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is renowned for its super light 37g actuation force, presenting a chirpy and clacky sound profile that delivers both auditory delight and an ideal choice for those who enjoy a lighter touch. Its feathery characteristics make it particularly appealing to users who prioritize agility and responsiveness in their keypresses. In contrast, the HMX EMO boasts a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 46g, which contributes to a lively and bouncy typing feel, coupled with exceptional factory-lubrication that enhances the smoothness of each keystroke. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Aqua's airy touch contrasts with the EMO's refined tactile feedback, allowing users to tailor their keyboard experience to their individual preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the HMX EMO switches, one notable similarity is the use of polycarbonate for their top housings. Both switches leverage polycarbonate's unique properties to enhance their sound profiles. This material is recognized for its stiffness, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio experience. Furthermore, its translucency not only contributes to an aesthetically pleasing design, especially when paired with RGB lighting, but also plays a key role in the overall acoustic performance. The consistency in material choice underscores that users can expect similar sound qualities from both switches, significantly enhancing the gaming or typing experience.
The bottom housings of both the Dareu Aqua and HMX EMO also share a common material: nylon. This traditional switch housing material evokes a distinctly different sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This makes for a rounded sound that contrasts with the sharpness provided by the polycarbonate top housing. Since the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will deliver a fullness and warmth that is characteristic of nylon housing, despite having different impacts in their overall sound profile.
The combination of these materials in the Aqua and EMO switches results in a nuanced sound experience. With the polycarbonate top housing delivering crisp highs and the nylon bottom housing providing deeper lows, users benefit from a well-rounded audio experience. When pressed, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing come into play, while the release will highlight the bright clarity attributed to the polycarbonate top. Overall, despite originating from different brands, the similarity in housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and HMX EMO leads to a comparable auditory experience, blending sharpness and fullness to fulfill the diverse preferences of typists and gamers alike.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch display notable differences regarding actuation force and bottom-out force, catering to varying user preferences. The Aqua switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is lighter compared to the EMO's 40 grams. This means that users who prefer a softer touch might find the Aqua switch more comfortable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, the Aqua's bottom-out force is unspecified, making it difficult to assess its overall performance in that regard. In contrast, the EMO features a bottom-out force of 46 grams, providing a more substantial feel at the end of the keystroke, which may be favored by users who appreciate a stronger push-back during typing. Overall, while the Aqua is the lighter switch, the EMO offers a heavier experience both in actuation and bottom-out, catering to those who prefer more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Aqua switch may provide a more substantial feel with its greater depth, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and tactile feedback. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the EMO switch could be beneficial for gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as less distance to travel can lead to faster actuation. Ultimately, if you're someone who prefers a satisfying depth while typing, the Aqua would be the ideal choice, whereas the EMO would be better for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their key presses.
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 EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by a unique combination of chirpy and clacky qualities. The chirpy sound offers a slight squeak, while the clacky aspect delivers a sharp, snappy response that is both crisp and bright. This acoustic signature is particularly engaging for users who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX EMO switch's sound profile is not specified, leaving an unknown aspect in comparison. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by additional factors, such as the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, meaning that the ultimate auditory experience may vary for each user.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch excels with its super light 37g actuation force, providing an easy-to-press experience that minimizes resistance and promotes a comfortable typing action. The combination of light actuation and the feathery nature of the switch greatly reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged sessions of typing or gaming. In contrast, the EMO switch features a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that contributes to a bouncy, satisfying typing sensation. Although the specific feel descriptors for the EMO are not provided, the exceptional factory lubrication suggests a focus on smoothness and ease of use, enhancing its overall tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua and HMX EMO linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard users. The Aqua offers a distinct sound signature and an effortless typing feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize lightness and acoustic character. Meanwhile, while the EMO’s sound profile remains unspecified, its smooth and bouncy feel, backed by quality lubrication, indicates a focus on providing a satisfying typing experience. Users can expect enjoyable results from either switch, depending on their individual tastes and typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when making the choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it's essential to consider your specific typing preferences and use case. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a unique sound profile characterized by chirpy and clacky tones, the Aqua switch is an excellent option for you. Its super light actuation force of 37 grams allows for easy and effortless typing, making it ideal for extended sessions whether you're gaming, writing, or simply browsing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more tactile yet still lightweight experience, the HMX EMO switch could be your go-to. With a bottom-out force of 46 grams and its factory-lubed design, the EMO delivers a smooth and bouncy typing feel that's rewarding without being too strenuous on the fingers. Ultimately, your choice should align with what you find most satisfying—whether that’s the distinctive chirp of the Aqua or the lively feel of the EMO—ensuring that your keyboard enhances your overall experience, whether that's productivity or gaming.
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