Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, both of which are linear switches. The Dareu Aqua is known for its super light 37g actuation force, creating a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a smoother typing experience with a lighter feel compared to other switches, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack sound. While the Aqua is praised for being easy-to-press and feathery, the Ink Box Pink is appreciated for its clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Aqua Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, it is clear that both switches offer unique qualities. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound. Both materials seem to focus on creating a distinctive sound profile, with the Aqua leaning towards a clearer and resonant sound, while the Ink Box Pink aims for a more satisfying and clacky sound.

In terms of the bottom housings, the Aqua's nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Ink Box Pink's INK blend bottom housing, which also provides a pointed and high-pitched sound. The nylon material absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink maintains its characteristic clacky sound, complementing the top housing for an overall unique typing experience.

In conclusion, while the Aqua and the Ink Box Pink have different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they both aim to provide a distinct sound profile for users. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, offering a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.

Weight

The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dareu Aqua's bottom out force is unknown, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The difference in actuation force between the two switches means that the Aqua may feel lighter and require less pressure to type on, while the Ink Box Pink may provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter actuation force of the Aqua for longer typing sessions, while others may lean towards the heavier Ink Box Pink for a more tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide a quicker response time, making it popular among gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua being slightly longer and the Ink Box Pink being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is unique for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, providing a distinctive typing experience with a light 37g actuation force. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a higher-pitched clack, emphasizing a smooth typing feel with a lighter touch. Both switches exhibit a clacky sound, but the Aqua's chirpy sound sets it apart, while the Ink Box Pink's higher-pitched tone adds a unique flair. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the chirpy and clacky sound of the Aqua or the clacky and high-pitched sound of the Ink Box Pink.

When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery characteristics, providing a low-impact typing feel with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and refined key travel. While the Aqua switch focuses on effortless and comfortable typing with its light actuation force, the Ink Box Pink switch enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance during keystrokes. Users can decide between the light and easy-to-press feel of the Aqua or the smooth and polished feel of the Ink Box Pink based on their typing preferences.

Considering all available information, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Those looking for a distinct chirpy sound and feathery feel may prefer the Aqua switch, while individuals valuing a higher-pitched clack and silky smooth typing experience may opt for the Ink Box Pink switch. Ultimately, both switches provide a different but delightful typing experience, ensuring users get similar satisfactory results based on their preference for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a super light actuation force with a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, then the Dareu Aqua may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack, then the Gateron Ink Box Pink could be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it is important to consider what aligns best with your typing preferences and needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Aqua Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more