Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preferences in actuation force, sound, and overall typing experience. The Dareu Aqua linear switch is renowned for its remarkably light 37g actuation force, which caters to users who enjoy a feather-light touch accompanied by a distinctively chirpy and clacky sound signature. This makes it an appealing option for those who prioritize speed and response in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offers a heavier and more grounded feel with its 60g actuation force and 70g bottom-out force, providing a balanced typing experience that many users find satisfying. This switch is especially favored by those who appreciate a medium-heavy feedback and a more subtle auditory experience, complemented by a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting effects. While both switches offer unique advantages—be it the ease of the Aqua or the substantiality of the G Pro 3.0 Black—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Aqua Linear

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, notable differences can be observed in the top and bottom housing components. The Dareu Aqua utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucence, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This makes it particularly favorable for those who prefer a clear auditory experience while typing or gaming. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing. While not identical to polycarbonate, this blend produces a similarly pointed and high-pitched sound that can be perceived as clacky. The translucence of both top housings allows for effective RGB lighting effects, enabling users to enjoy aesthetically pleasing visuals alongside the desired auditory feedback.

In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches introduce unique sound profiles that diverge significantly. The Dareu Aqua features a nylon bottom housing, celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and provide a deeper, fuller auditory response. This softer plastic yields a duller and rounder sound, creating a pleasant contrast to the high-pitched characteristics of the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black is equipped with a POM bottom housing. Known for its extraordinary sound quality, POM also fosters a deeper, more muted sound profile, though with a distinct and pleasing resonance. This sound, while reminiscent of the nylon in the Aqua, encapsulates a unique character that makes it appealing to users favoring a more subdued auditory experience.

Combining the properties of these materials illustrates how they individually and collectively shape the typing experience. In both switches, the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, while the top housing influences the sound upon release. Despite the fundamental differences in the materials used, users can achieve similar results in terms of clarity and feedback due to the thoughtful design choices made in both units. As such, whether one is drawn to the crisper high-pitch of the Aqua or the clack of the G Pro 3.0 Black, each switch offers a distinct auditory signature that caters to varying preferences while utilizing effective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation forces. The Aqua requires a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a lighter touch, as it can facilitate longer typing sessions and enhance comfort during extensive gaming or work. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black demands a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. While the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is currently unknown, the G Pro 3.0 Black features a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Black not only has a higher threshold for actuation but also a more pronounced resistance during full key presses, contributing to a distinct tactile experience compared to the lighter Aqua switch. Ultimately, users should choose the switch that best aligns with their typing preferences: lighter for comfort over long periods or heavier for a more engaging typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they provide the same amount of keypress travel from top to bottom. This similarity ensures that users can expect a comparable feel and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. As a result, switching between keyboards using these switches will yield a consistent typing experience, allowing for ease of adaptation for users who may toggle between them.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, distinct acoustic profiles emerge. The Aqua is characterized by its chirpy and clacky sound, producing a unique acoustic signature that’s crisp and bright with a slight squeak. This lively sound may appeal to users who enjoy a more playful auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a clacky sound as well, but it's combined with a more subdued resonance, resulting in a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that's less pronounced. This can be attractive to those who prefer a less disruptive environment while still enjoying the satisfying clack that linear switches can deliver. Sound preferences are subjective and can vary based on the keyboard, keycap materials, and personal tastes.

In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua excels with its super light 37g actuation force, making it incredibly easy-to-press and feathery, which significantly minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This switch allows for a comfortable, effortless typing experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and ease. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black is heavier, with a 60g actuation force that provides a more substantive typing experience. Described as creamy and silky, this switch offers a smooth, buttery tactile feedback that enhances the sensation of control and precision during keystrokes. Its subtle resistance adds a comforting weight, catering to users who favor a more grounded feel when typing while also benefiting from a luxurious smoothness.

Overall, both the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer unique strengths that cater to different typing preferences. The Aqua's lightweight and lively characteristics are perfect for those who desire a fast and fun typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Black’s medium-heavy feel and silky texture appeal to users who appreciate control and refinement in their typing. Depending on your typing style, whether you prefer a chirpy, light switch or a creamy, more substantial one, either option can provide an enjoyable experience tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a lighter touch with minimal resistance that allows for effortless typing during extended sessions—whether for gaming or work—the Aqua switch is an excellent choice. Its unique chirpy and clacky sound adds character, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial, tactile feel with a medium-heavy actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Black might be the better option. This switch offers a creamy, buttery typing experience along with a pleasant clacky sound that is more subdued than the Aqua, making it suitable for quieter environments. Ultimately, by considering the actuation force, sound signature, and feel that match your typing style and surroundings, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Aqua Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more