Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Glory Red are both popular linear options that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Dareu Aqua switch is characterized by its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, which allows for effortless key presses and a unique sound signature that blends chirpy and clacky elements. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a responsive touch and distinct auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers a smoother keystroke with a comfortable travel distance, contributing to a pleasant typing experience that many users appreciate, especially for longer sessions. While the Aqua is ideal for users seeking a lighter and more expressive switch, the Glory Red emphasizes a seamless and refined tactile sensation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Glory Red switches, the most notable difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Dareu Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile during typing, enhancing the overall auditory feedback of the switch. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This stark contrast in top housing materials significantly influences each switch’s sound characteristics, catering to different preferences in user experience.
Despite the divergence in top housing materials, both the Aqua and Glory Red share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This commonality creates a consistent foundation for both switches, as nylon contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile when bottoming out. The soft characteristics of the nylon bottom housing play a crucial role in moderating the overall auditory feedback experienced during typing. As such, users can expect a comparable bottom-out feel and sound with both switches as a result of their identical bottom housing material, creating a sonic uniformity amidst the differences in their respective top housings.
The interaction between the different housing materials further emphasizes how each switch's performance can be impacted by its design. While the top housing dictates the sound profile during release, the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, despite the Aqua and Glory Red using different materials for the top housing, the shared nylon base allows for a union of characteristics from both designs. Such a combination can yield an enjoyable typing experience for users who might seek a nuanced audio representation, merging the crispness of the Aqua’s polycarbonate housing with the warm resonance of the Glory Red's nylon base. Ultimately, while they possess distinct sound profiles due to their top materials, the shared nylon bottom provides a common ground for performance.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, the actuation forces exhibit a notable difference. The Aqua switch requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. In contrast, the Glory Red switch necessitates a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel during use. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which prevents a direct comparison in that regard. If the bottom out forces were comparable, it could imply that users might experience similar key travel dynamics. As it stands, the Aqua is the lighter option, while the Glory Red is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences depending on the user’s typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, a notable difference becomes evident. The Aqua features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns with the traditional depth often favored by users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke feel. In contrast, the Glory Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it more appealing to gamers who seek quicker response times and prefer a shallower press. While both switches offer a smooth experience typical of linear switches, the Aqua provides a more pronounced depth, catering to those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Glory Red would be the better choice for quicker actions, whereas the Aqua would suit those who prefer a firmer tactile feel.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 characteristics, the Dareu Aqua linear switch presents a unique mixture of chirpy and clacky tones, giving it a distinctive acoustic profile that can stand out among alternatives. The chirpy aspect introduces a slight squeak to the sound, which sets it apart and can add character to your typing experience, while the clacky quality emits a sharp, crisp noise that is both bright and percussive. This combination caters particularly to users who enjoy a vocal typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red's sound profile remains less defined, as specific descriptors are not provided. However, it’s important to note that sound in mechanical switches can be influenced by the type of keyboard, the case material, and the keycap choice, meaning that even switches with less pronounced sound characteristics can still deliver satisfying auditory feedback.
The feel of the Dareu Aqua switch is particularly noteworthy, characterized by an easy-to-press nature that demands minimal effort for activation. With a super light actuation force of just 37g, users can experience a typing sensation that is not only comfortable but also reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. This feathery feel complements its acoustic attributes, making it an excellent choice for various typing tasks, from gaming to office work. Unfortunately, there is no comparable description for the feel of the Gateron Glory Red switch, which leaves its tactile experience somewhat ambiguous.
In summary, the Dareu Aqua linear switch distinguishes itself with its unique sound signature and exceptionally light feel, catering well to those who prioritize a lively auditory experience along with comfort during long typing sessions. Without specific information on the Gateron Glory Red switches, one can only speculate about its sound and feel. However, both switches may offer a smooth keystroke, leading to a pleasant typing experience that could be appealing in similar ways. If you're leaning toward lighter switches that prioritize ease of use, either option could potentially fulfill your needs, depending on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you are looking for an exceptionally light actuation force and enjoy a unique auditory experience, the Aqua switches may be the right choice for you. Their chirpy and clacky sound signature, combined with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, makes them ideal for those who want a tactile and responsive typing experience without straining their fingers, especially during lengthy sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance but do not have a strong preference for sound, the Gateron Glory Red switches could be more appealing. They offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience without any distracting noises, making them suitable for quiet work environments or gaming where sound levels need to be moderated. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your unique typing style and the atmosphere you find most comfortable, whether it be the lively acoustics of the Aqua or the serene smoothness of the Glory Red.
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