Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Glory Yellow represent two distinct yet popular options tailored for different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is renowned for its super light 37g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a featherweight touch in their typing experience. Its chirpy and clacky sound signature lends a distinctive auditory feedback that many find satisfying, particularly in fast-paced gaming or typing scenarios. Alternatively, the Gateron Glory Yellow caters to users who appreciate a smoother keystroke with a more substantial feel; its design often prioritizes a pleasing travel distance, promising a satisfying typing experience. While the Aqua offers a light and lively vibe, the Glory Yellow appeals to those who seek a more robust and polished engagement with their keyboard. 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
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and Gateron Glory Yellow switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Aqua's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly, making it ideal for users who prefer a crisper auditory feedback from their switches. Furthermore, the clear nature of polycarbonate enhances the effect of RGB lighting, producing a visually stimulating display that complements the acoustics. In contrast, the Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, thus yielding a rounder, more subdued auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials suggests that while both switches provide unique acoustical experiences, they cater to distinctly different preferences among typists and gamers.
Despite the disparity in the materials used for their top housings, the Aqua and Glory Yellow share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both are constructed from nylon. This shared material produces a deep and rich bottom-out sound profile, characterized by its ability to absorb sound effectively due to nylon's softer composition. Consequently, when pressed, both switches will deliver a similar feel and sound at the actuation point, emphasizing the muffled yet deep acoustics that typists often enjoy. Therefore, while the top housing materials contribute disproportionately to the sound profile during key release, the bottom housing remains consistent across both switches, leading to potentially similar results in terms of feel and sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the interplay of materials in both switches creates distinctive sound signatures overall. The Dareu Aqua’s combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom yields a crisp, bright sound profile elevated by the transparency for RGB lighting, while offering the rounded depth of nylon during key presses. Meanwhile, the Gateron Glory Yellow maintains the rounded and subdued feel provided by the nylon throughout, giving a stronger emphasis on a deeper sound profile in both the actuation and bottom-out phases. Therefore, while they diverge significantly in terms of their top housing materials, the similarities found in the nylon bottom housing ensure that users can expect a similar functional experience when typing on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences regarding actuation force. The Aqua switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a quicker, more effortless keystroke, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Glory Yellow features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel. Neither switch provides information about the bottom out force, which makes it difficult to compare that specific aspect directly; however, given the known actuation forces, the Aqua switch can be classified as the lighter option, while the Glory Yellow is the heavier choice. This distinction highlights the different user experiences they offer based on force preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch share a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they provide the same feel when pressed down. This equal travel distance means that users can expect similar actuation and bottoming-out experiences when using either switch. As a result, keyboard enthusiasts looking for a consistent typing experience can confidently choose between the two, as they will not notice a difference in the travel distance.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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
The sound profile of the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its chirpy and clacky tones, creating a unique auditory experience that many users might find appealing. The chirpy aspect lends a slight squeak to each keystroke, while the clacky nature offers a crisp and percussive output that can resonate well in both gaming and typing scenarios. This distinct sound signature can bring a lively atmosphere to your keyboard experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch does not have a specified sound profile in the provided information, but it’s worth noting that sound can be highly dependent on the board and keycap selection used with the switches. Consequently, while the Aqua is known for its chirpy and clacky sound, the Glory Yellow’s sound characteristics remain unknown.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Dareu Aqua stands out due to its super light actuation force of 37g, which results in a very easy-to-press and feathery experience. This low resistance minimizes finger fatigue, making it perfect for long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. The light activation not only enhances comfort but also encourages a swift typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch lacks detailed information about its feel in this context. Therefore, we can't make specific comparisons in terms of resistance and tactile feedback, but it is clear that the Aqua is designed for those who prefer a noticeably lighter touch.
In summary, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a lightweight feel and a distinctive chirpy, clacky sound profile. It provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience while minimizing finger fatigue, making it suitable for extensive use. While the Gateron Glory Yellow may offer a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, its sound and feel characteristics remain unspecified in this context. Thus, for individuals seeking a lightweight switch experience with a unique sound, the Aqua stands out, while the Glory Yellow may provide a different, yet unknown, experience that is worth exploring.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches, consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a lighter touch with minimal resistance and appreciate a unique auditory experience, the Aqua may be your best bet. Its super light 37g actuation force allows for effortless typing, making it an excellent choice for lengthy typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. The chirpy and clacky sound adds character to your keyboard, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke with a smooth travel distance that still offers comfort, the Glory Yellow could be ideal for you. While it is heavier than the Aqua, it provides a satisfying feedback that many users adore during extended use, especially for both typing and gaming. Choosing the right switch ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a lighter, more playful typing experience with the Aqua, or a more robust and enjoyable feel with the Glory Yellow.
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