Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Jupiter Red mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Dareu Aqua is favored for its ultra-light 37g actuation force, providing a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a smoother keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, along with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects for a consistent typing experience. While the Aqua excels in being easy-to-press and feathery, the Jupiter Red is known for its polished, creamy, and silky feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Jupiter Red, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the differentiating factor lies in the nylon bottom housing of each switch.
While both the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Jupiter Red share a nylon bottom housing material, they offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Nylon's softer nature allows for better sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing. This characteristic creates a unique typing experience for users of switches with nylon bottom housings. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall tactile feedback for the user.
With the qualities of the housing materials split between the top and bottom housings of a switch, the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Jupiter Red offer a combination of polycarbonate and nylon properties. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide users with a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing properties.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Aqua is unknown, while the Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Aqua may be preferred by those who type or game for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Jupiter Red provides a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Aqua offers a lighter touch for quicker keystrokes, while the Jupiter Red gives a more tactile feel with a heavier press. Both switches provide unique typing experiences, catering to different preferences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. This similarity ensures that users will experience a consistent feel and response when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. The fact that both switches have the same travel distance allows users to expect similar results in terms of keypress feedback and typing experience.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 sound signature, providing a distinctive auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch produces a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various users and environments. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices, so individual preferences may vary depending on these variables.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Dareu Aqua is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, providing a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort and efficiency, catering to different preferences for typing sensations.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its unique sound profile and light actuation force, making it a standout choice for those who prefer a lighter touch and distinctive sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke experience with a medium-heavy actuation, appealing to users looking for a seamless and precise typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Jupiter Red switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a chirpy, clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a smooth, seamless typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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