Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to choose between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch stand out as excellent options. The Dareu Aqua is renowned for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump that enhances typing flow. Additionally, it comes with a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. While both switches are easy to press, the Aqua leans towards a feathery feel, while the G Pro Brown offers a more mild and stepped tactile experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. While both switches share the same top housing material, the unique design and features of each keyboard may still result in slightly different sound profiles and typing experiences.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Dareu Aqua utilizes nylon while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics, as it is a softer material that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Despite both keyboards featuring the same bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may still vary slightly based on the design and construction of each keyboard.
It is worth noting that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that even though both the Dareu Aqua and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown may share the same housing materials in some aspects, the overall typing experience and sound profile may still differ based on the specific design and construction of each keyboard.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, which has a higher actuation force of 55 grams. The bottom out force for the Aqua switch is not specified, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is considered medium. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Aqua switch would be more suitable, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without causing too much fatigue. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better choice for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom when using either of these switches. As a result, whether you choose the Aqua or the G Pro 3.0 Brown, you will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and travel distance. It is worth noting that the tactile feel of the switches may differ despite having the same travel distance, as the Aqua is a linear switch while the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch. Therefore, users should consider their preference for switch type in addition to the travel distance when selecting a keyboard switch.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 sounds, giving it a distinct acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch provides a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback without being overpowering. Both switches offer different sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is characterized as easy-to-press and feathery, providing a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In comparison, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is also easy-to-press and offers a mild tactile sensation that falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The stepped feature of the G Pro Brown switch further adds to its tactile feel, providing a subtle bump without being too pronounced. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with varying degrees of tactile feedback to suit different typing styles.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua switch stands out with its light actuation force and distinct chirpy and clacky sound signature, while the G Pro Brown switch provides a gentle tactile bump and medium-high pitch for a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing habits, users can choose between the two switches to achieve a tailored typing experience that suits their needs. Overall, both switches offer quality performance at budget-friendly prices, making them suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the more suitable option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a subtle tactile sensation and a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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