Dareu Aqua vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aqua switch is known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple switch stands out for its resonant character and slightly bassier sound profile, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. Both switches are easy to press and feathery, ensuring swift and effortless typing experiences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the TTC Flaming Purple both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while they both share this top housing material, the Aqua's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing, which also absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches.
Both switches have clear housings which are likely made of polycarbonate, allowing for easy customization with RGB lighting. The characteristics of polycarbonate, such as its stiffness and translucency, will be consistent across both switches, resulting in a similar sound profile when typing. However, the differing nylon bottom housing materials of the Aqua and Flaming Purple will lead to variations in the depth and fullness of the sound when typing on the switches. This demonstrates how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua and TTC Flaming Purple showcase the importance of housing materials in creating distinct sound profiles for mechanical switches. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, the nylon bottom housing contributes to differences in sound depth and fullness. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound profiles can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences for typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Flaming Purple is slightly heavier at 42 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Flaming Purple is lighter at 47 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Aqua. This suggests that the Aqua may provide a lighter typing experience overall, while the Flaming Purple may offer a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the Flaming Purple may be preferred by those who desire a slightly heavier bottom out force for added typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys. Gamers who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Flaming Purple with its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to the preferences of users who may favor a shorter or longer key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance when typing or gaming.
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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 combination of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, creating a distinctive auditory experience with a light and sharp tone. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch leans towards a bassier sound profile with a touch of poppy undertones, providing a more resonant and engaging auditory flair. While the Aqua switch is characterized by its chirpy and clacky sound, the Flaming Purple switch stands out for its bassier and resonant tones, offering users a different sound experience depending on their preference.
When it comes to feel, both the Dareu Aqua and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches share a feathery nature, providing users with an exceptionally light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. The easy-to-press design of both switches ensures swift and effortless typing, enhancing the overall typing experience for enthusiasts and daily typists alike. Additionally, the silky feel of the Flaming Purple switch adds a smoothness to the typing experience, minimizing resistance and further improving the overall feel of the switch.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Aqua and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches both offer a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, they differ in their sound characteristics. The Aqua switch is known for its chirpy and clacky sound, while the Flaming Purple switch provides a bassier and more resonant auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel, as both options offer a unique and engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a resonant character with a touch of bass undertone, and prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force for added stability, the Flaming Purple switch could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as the specific typing experience you are looking for, to make the best decision between these two unique linear switches.
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