Dareu Aqua vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, it's evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is distinct and easy to press. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk offers a soft and pastel typing experience with a silky smooth push feel and muted, snappy sound profile. While the Aqua is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', the Ginger Milk is categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Buttery'. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Jwick Ginger Milk, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for keyboards with RGB lighting as it allows the light to shine through. The use of polycarbonate in both keyboards ensures a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience.
However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material used in the Aqua and Ginger Milk keyboards. The Dareu Aqua features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Ginger Milk's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two keyboards, with the Aqua offering a more muted sound compared to the Ginger Milk's crisper sound.
Overall, while both the Dareu Aqua and the Jwick Ginger Milk share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of nylon for the Aqua's bottom housing sets it apart from the Ginger Milk. The combination of these housing materials contributes to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each keyboard. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams, whereas the Ginger Milk is the heavier option with an actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Aqua is unknown, while the Ginger Milk has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on weight preferences. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Aqua for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ginger Milk for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Aqua switch has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Ginger Milk switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.
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 tones, creating a distinct auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. The Ginger Milk linear switch, on the other hand, provides a more neutral sound profile, making it a versatile choice suitable for various typing environments. Both switches will provide satisfying sound feedback, but the Aqua will give a slightly more spirited and lively sound, while the Ginger Milk will offer a more subtle and understated typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is lauded for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, making typing effortless and comfortable. With minimal force required to actuate the keys, users will find that finger fatigue is reduced during long typing sessions. On the contrary, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience with each keystroke. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, so users can expect a pleasant typing experience regardless of their choice.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua and Jwick Ginger Milk linear switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua switch provides a chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Ginger Milk switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a buttery typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, users can expect a satisfying and responsive typing experience with either switch, ensuring a pleasurable time spent at their keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, then the Dareu Aqua switch may be the right choice for you. This switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, perfect for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a smooth and approachable push feel, along with a muted, snappy sound profile, then the Jwick Ginger Milk switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound characteristics that best align with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
