Dareu Aqua vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and TTC Gold Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each offer unique benefits to users. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its incredibly light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too overpowering. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and TTC Gold Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the overall aesthetic. However, the Aqua and Gold Red differentiate themselves with their nylon bottom housings. The Aqua's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gold Red, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housings offer distinct sound profiles. The Dareu Aqua provides a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer nylon material, while the TTC Gold Red delivers a crisper and sharper sound due to its stiffer plastic. These differences in bottom housing material contribute to the overall typing experience, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. Additionally, the top housing material plays a role in the sound produced when releasing a key, further highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua and TTC Gold Red both utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, but diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Aqua's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gold Red's nylon bottom housing produces a duller and rounder sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help enthusiasts choose the switch that best suits their preferences for typing experience and sound aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, we can see that the Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams. The bottom out force for the Aqua is unknown, while the Gold Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a heavier typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Aqua may be the preferred choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel, the Gold Red with its heavier actuation and bottom out force may be more appealing. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua and TTC Gold Red linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This ensures a uniform typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, providing a similar result for users who prefer this specific characteristic in their mechanical keyboards.
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 TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sound qualities, providing a distinctive auditory experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. The chirpy characteristic adds a subtle squeak, while the clacky feature produces a sharp and snappy sound, making each keypress stand out. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for its snappy sound profile, which adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too overwhelming. The switch produces a thocky sound profile, giving a satisfying and rich tone, and a low-pitched sound that leans towards a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches can significantly enhance the overall typing experience, depending on individual preferences and the keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch boasts an easy-to-press nature with a feather-light actuation force of 37g, ensuring that typing is effortless and comfortable. The light resistance makes key presses gentle on the fingers, reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red linear switch provides a silky smooth typing experience with a mild level of resistance, offering a comfortable middle ground that should appeal to a wide range of users. The switch also has a subtle typing feel and a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Aqua catering to those who prefer an extremely light touch and the Gold Red appealing to those seeking a smoother feel with a touch of elegance.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Aqua is known for its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile and easy-to-press feel, the Gold Red stands out for its snappy sound and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these switches to customize their mechanical keyboard experience. Additionally, both switches offer qualities that prioritize comfort, responsiveness, and overall typing pleasure, ensuring a satisfying user experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the TTC Gold Red linear switch, you should take into account the specific characteristics and preferences that align with your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, then the Dareu Aqua linear switch would be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium level of resistance with a buttery smooth typing experience and a snappy sound profile, then the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which switch aligns best with your personal preferences and typing habits.
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