Dareu Aqua vs. HMX FJ400

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the HMX FJ400 present distinct options for different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is particularly favored for its super light 37g actuation force, allowing users to enjoy a feather-light typing experience characterized by a chirpy and clacky sound signature. This makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a tactile and engaging feel without requiring significant pressure. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 offers a more balanced sound profile, making it perfect for users who seek a harmonious middle ground in their typing experience. While the FJ400 lacks the same extreme lightness as the Aqua, its balanced characteristics lend themselves well to both typing and gaming scenarios, offering versatility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Aqua Linear

HMX FJ400 Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Dareu Aqua and the HMX FJ400 showcase distinctive differences in their top housings, which significantly impact their sound profiles. The Aqua utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is mainly attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which fosters greater resonance and clarity, making it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the FJ400 employs a POM top housing, which produces a deeper, more muted sound. POM, being inherently softer relative to polycarbonate, leads to a unique auditory experience that appeals to those who appreciate a less pronounced and more subdued acoustic landscape. The material choice for the top housing plays a pivotal role in how each switch interacts with sound, setting them apart in terms of auditory profile.

When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, one finds a striking similarity that lends itself to a shared auditory experience. Both the Dareu Aqua and HMX FJ400 use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for its capacity to absorb sound, yielding a deeper and fuller auditory profile. This material characteristic results in a rounded and richer typing experience, making it an ideal choice for creating a satisfying and comfortable touch when pressing down on the keys. By using nylon in the bottom housing, both switches deliver the same advantage of reduced noise amplitude, reinforcing the idea that even with differing top housings, there is a commonality that can yield similar satisfaction in tactile feedback.

The interplay between the top and bottom housings in each switch brings to light how their respective material qualities blend together. While the Aqua’s polycarbonate top housing contributes crispness and clarity during the release of the key, the FJ400's POM top housing gives a smooth and subdued exit. However, since both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing, there is a cohesive aspect in their sound profiles when the keys bottom out. Ultimately, despite the tonal contrasts instigated by the different materials used for the top housings, the shared use of nylon in the bottoms allows both switches to evoke a similar deep and rich typing experience, highlighting the essential function of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Aqua switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which can enhance typing comfort over prolonged use, making it suitable for both office tasks and extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the FJ400 requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some typists may prefer. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unknown, the FJ400's bottom out force is rated at 58 grams, indicating that it offers a more pronounced feedback upon bottoming out. This also means that the FJ400 is heavier overall due to both its higher actuation force and defined bottom out force, making it a better choice for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Aqua is the lighter option, which is ideal for users seeking less strain during long typing sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, it becomes clear that the Aqua offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the FJ400 measures at 3.8 mm. This difference, though relatively slight, suggests that the Aqua may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper keypress experience. On the other hand, the FJ400's shorter distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for rapid actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those who appreciate a more substantial key travel would likely opt for the Aqua, whereas users favoring a snappier performance might lean toward the FJ400.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch produces a unique combination of chirpy and clacky tones. The chirpy aspect gives it a slight squeak, creating an engaging and somewhat playful acoustic signature, while the clacky element adds a crisp and bright resonance upon actuation, resulting in a snappy sound that is quite satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, though specific descriptors for its sound qualities are not provided, leaving some ambiguity. However, the absence of vibrant descriptors does suggest it is more subdued compared to the prominent auditory characteristics of the Aqua.

In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua switch excels with its remarkably easy-to-press mechanism. With a light actuation force of only 37g, it provides a gentle resistance that promotes a seamless typing experience, making it ideal for long periods of use without causing finger fatigue. The feathery feel also contributes to its effortless activation, making every keystroke a pleasure. The FJ400, however, doesn’t have detailed descriptions of its tactile experience available, so it’s difficult to draw a direct comparison. This means that while users of the Aqua can expect superior comfort and responsiveness, the FJ400's tactile feedback remains uncertain.

In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua and HMX FJ400 linear switches appeal to distinct preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Aqua offers a playful auditory experience combined with a lightweight and comfortable typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy feedback and minimal finger strain. In contrast, the FJ400's balanced sound and unspecified feel leave room for interpretation, suggesting that while performance may align for some qualities, the Aqua clearly stands out for users seeking both distinctive sound and an effortless typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter key press that offers an effortless typing experience, the Aqua is an ideal choice. It's perfect for avid typists or gamers who engage in long sessions, as its 37g actuation force and unique chirpy and clacky sound signature create a delightful auditory experience while minimizing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more balanced typing experience with a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, the FJ400 may be the way to go. This switch provides a solid feel and a quieter operation, making it well-suited for those who need a reliable and consistent switch for a variety of tasks, including intensive work environments or shared spaces where noise levels should be kept in check. Ultimately, consider your typing style, listening preferences, and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two distinct yet appealing switches.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Aqua Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more