Dareu Aqua vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Ice King Linear are two options that stand out. The Dareu Aqua is a linear switch known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique blend of a chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the Aqua is characterized as 'chirpy' and 'clacky', the Ice King Linear is described as 'silky' and 'frictionless'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Ice King Linear, we can see that they both utilize nylon in the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material used in both switches is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to other harder plastics. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a more muted and mellow typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter keyboard.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the Dareu Aqua uses polycarbonate while the Durock Ice King Linear also uses nylon. The polycarbonate top housing in the Aqua creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, which is further enhanced by its translucency for those using RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing in the Ice King Linear provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, due to its softer material that absorbs more sound. This results in a more subdued and rounded sound experience compared to the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate.
Overall, the housing materials in both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the nylon bottom housing in both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound, the difference in top housings leads to different sound characteristics. The Dareu Aqua with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a more muted and mellow sound, ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches provide quality sound profiles, but the choice between them will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound characteristics.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Linear switch, which has an actuation force of 52 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice King Linear switch has a heavier force of 62 grams, while the Aqua switch has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua switch may be more suitable as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch would be a better choice for individuals who prefer a heavier typing feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences, catering to different preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua switch. The Aqua switch with a 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more robust typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster input speed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a deeper key press or a faster response time.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 blend of chirpy and clacky sounds, providing a distinctive typing experience with a light actuation force of 37g. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature due to its nylon construction and factory lube. Depending on your preferences, the Aqua switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more lively and percussive sound, while the Ice King Linear switch would suit individuals looking for a quieter and more muted typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, offering a gentle resistance and light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a fluid key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Aqua switch leans towards a light and effortless feel, while the Ice King Linear switch emphasizes on smoothness and fluidity.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Aqua switch provides a chirpy and clacky sound with easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Ice King Linear switch delivers a subdued sound with a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience with full nylon construction and factory lube, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and sound you desire when typing, so choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
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