Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Jelly

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options to consider are the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Jelly, both linear switches that cater to different typing experiences. The Dareu Aqua impresses with its exceptionally light actuation force of just 37g, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer a lighter keypress. Its unique chirpy and clacky sound signature adds an engaging auditory dimension, ideal for those who enjoy feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly offers a delightful deep, thocky sound that is sure to resonate with those who appreciate a richer acoustic profile. Though slightly heavier with a 42g actuation force, the Jelly is celebrated for its smoothness, largely attributed to its high-quality factory lubrication. Each switch has its own strengths; whether you're drawn to the quick, airy feedback of the Aqua or the smooth, robust thock of the Jelly, your experience will depend on your typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Aqua Linear

HMX Jelly Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Dareu Aqua and HMX Jelly switch housings, it is essential to note the distinction in their top housing materials. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material allows for greater sound resonance, particularly when utilizing RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Jelly utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and results in a deeper, fuller sound. While nylon absorbs more sound, yielding a duller tone, this fundamentally changes the auditory experience when typing on the two switches.

Both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housings, contributing to a consistent sound quality intrinsic to the material. The soft and absorbent nature of nylon ensures a deeper and more rounded sound profile, which becomes apparent during keystrokes. As both the Aqua and Jelly incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, users will find similar auditory experiences when pressing keys, regardless of the different top housing materials. This consistency in the bottom housing reinforces the overall typing feel, creating a rich and smooth sensation for both switches.

In terms of overall performance, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials results in distinct acoustic signatures for both switches. The Dareu Aqua’s polycarbonate top housing provides a brighter, more resonant sound upon key release, while the HMX Jelly's nylon top offers a muted and softer response. However, the shared nylon bottom housing means that the foundational keystroke experience retains a degree of similarity in sound depth and feel. By favoring varying sound profiles for different typing experiences — sharp versus deep — users can choose between the Aqua and Jelly based on personal preference, achieving distinct results while retaining some uniformity in the tactile experience of keystrokes.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Aqua requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during extended use, such as long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Jelly has a firmer actuation force of 42 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for enhanced tactile feedback. Additionally, the Jelly switch has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully depress compared to the Aqua, whose bottom out force remains unknown. Overall, the Dareu Aqua is the lighter option, while the HMX Jelly is the heavier choice, catering to different user preferences in typing efficiency and tactile sensation.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua, with a travel distance of 4 mm, offers a longer actuation compared to the Jelly's 3.8 mm. This difference, although slight, can influence the overall typing and gaming experience. The Aqua's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel under the fingers, which might appeal to users who prefer a traditional and hearty depth in their key presses. In contrast, the Jelly's shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm aligns with the preferences of gamers seeking quicker response times, as the reduced distance can facilitate faster actuation. Consequently, individuals who favor a responsive and more immediate feedback will likely gravitate towards the HMX Jelly switch, while those who favor a more pronounced keypress might find the Dareu Aqua more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch presents a unique auditory experience characterized by its chirpy and clacky signature. The chirp adds a slight squeakiness that distinguishes it from more traditional switches, while the clacky element contributes a sharp and snappy sound upon activation, offering a crisp and bright auditory feedback. This combination creates a lively typing atmosphere that some users might find particularly enjoyable. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch is known for its low-pitched and deep thocky sound signature. This sound profile creates a more muted and subdued experience compared to the more vibrant audio of the Aqua. It is important to note that the sound produced by either switch could vary based on the keyboard build, mount, and keycap material used.

In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is designed with a super light actuation force of 37g, contributing to an effortless typing experience. Descriptions such as "easy-to-press" and "feathery" capture how gentle resistance is present during key presses, allowing minimal exertion. This design makes for a comfortable session, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing responsiveness, which is beneficial for both gaming and extensive typing tasks. In contrast, there is currently insufficient information about the feel of the Jelly switch, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the lightweight nature of its 42g actuation force suggests it may also provide a comfort-driven experience, albeit with slightly more resistance than the Aqua.

In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua and HMX Jelly linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences. The Aqua switch excels in delivering a light and engaging sound profile paired with a nearly effortless typing feel. The Jelly switch introduces a deeper sound signature, which may attract those seeking a more muted auditory experience. While the Aqua provides a clear advantage in terms of the nuanced qualities described, the Jelly's performance remains undefined in terms of tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches are likely to satisfy different user preferences with their respective qualities, and if sound consistency and responsiveness are prevalent factors for the user, they may find that both switches bring their unique flavor to the typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you value a super light actuation and are looking for a switch that gives a chirpy, clacky sound with minimal resistance, the Aqua is an excellent choice. Its 37g actuation force allows for effortless typing and can make long typing sessions feel more comfortable, particularly beneficial for gaming or casual use where rapid key presses are frequent. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more thocky sound profile and a slightly stronger tactile feedback with an actuation force of 42g, then the Jelly switches might be more suited to your needs. The smoothness and factory lube make for a pleasant typing experience, particularly if you enjoy an acoustic feedback that is rich and resonant. Ultimately, consider what performance characteristics and auditory feedback resonate with you to ensure you get the most satisfying experience from your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Aqua Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more