Dareu Aqua vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the Kailh BCP both deliver compelling linear experiences with distinct characteristics. The Dareu Aqua is celebrated for its super light 37g actuation force, allowing for effortless keystrokes that produce a chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it an ideal choice for typists who prefer a light touch and a bit of auditory excitement. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP reimagines the classic Black Cherry Pie switch with a custom mold that offers a creamy, elastic, and bouncy feel—perfect for those who appreciate a smoother, more forgiving typing experience paired with a poppy sound profile. While both switches cater to different preferences, with the Aqua favoring a lighter and more energetic feedback and the BCP focusing on a rich and elastic tactile sensation, they each bring their own unique advantages to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
POM
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
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Kailh BCP switches, a clear distinction can be seen in their top housings. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes polycarbonate particularly advantageous if users intend to utilize RGB lighting, as the material allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. Conversely, the Kailh BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, which significantly alters the sound experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound better, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that sounds rounder than that of polycarbonate. This fundamental difference in top housing materials means that while the Aqua may excel in brightness and clarity, the BCP delivers a sound that is rich and warm.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing of both switches, they are in agreement in their use of nylon. The Aqua and BCP both feature nylon as the material for their bottom housing. This shared characteristic means that both switches provide a similar sound experience on key bottoming out, as nylon's inherent properties contribute to a deeper and fuller auditory response. Since both switches utilize the same material for the bottom housing, users can expect a comparable tactile feedback and bottom-out sound when pressing the keys. The softer nature of nylon presents a more cushioned feel, enhancing the overall typing experience regardless of the top housing material.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials lead to differing sound profiles in the Dareu Aqua and Kailh BCP, while their shared nylon bottom housing aligns their performance in that realm. The Aqua’s polycarbonate top brings brightness and sharpness to the table, which may be favorable for users seeking articulately defined keystrokes, especially in RGB-lit setups. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP's nylon top offers a softer, more subdued auditory experience that some typists may prefer for its warmth and rounded character. The combination of these materials thus caters to different user preferences, while the commonality in bottom housing design ensures that both switches maintain a satisfying sense of depth during key presses.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Aqua requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the BCP has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams. This makes the Aqua more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the BCP's stronger actuation force may appeal to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. The bottom out force for the Dareu Aqua is unspecified, whereas the Kailh BCP has a measured bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating that the BCP provides a more pronounced resistance at the end of the keystroke. In summary, the Dareu Aqua is the lighter switch option, perfect for prolonged use, while the Kailh BCP, with its medium-heavy characteristics, caters to users who appreciate more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Kailh BCP linear switch, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly influence the feel and responsiveness of each switch. The Aqua's 4 mm travel allows for a more pronounced keystroke, which some users may prefer for typing and gaming, as it provides a more substantial depth and feedback. In contrast, the BCP's 3.5 mm travel offers a snappier response, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize quick actuation and rapid key presses. Ultimately, if you lean towards a deeper, more deliberate keystroke, the Dareu Aqua would likely be your preference, while those looking for quicker responses might opt for the Kailh BCP.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch delivers a unique acoustic signature characterized as both chirpy and clacky. The chirpy quality adds a little squeak, providing a distinct auditory experience that differentiates it from other switches, while the clacky aspect offers a crisp, bright, and percussive snap with each keystroke. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch is noted for its poppy and clacky sound profile, suggesting a similarly sharp and engaging auditory feedback, although specific descriptions of its sound characteristics are not detailed. Given that sound perception can vary greatly depending on the keyboard build and keycaps used, enthusiasts can expect a lively sound from both switches, albeit with subtle differences influenced by their specific sound signatures.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch excels with an exceptionally light actuation force of 37g, making it easy to press and ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Its feathery texture further enhances the experience by providing gentle resistance and requiring minimal effort to activate. Conversely, the Kailh BCP linear switch's feel is described as creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy, contributing to a unique tactile response that emphasizes a different kind of engagement with the keys. While both switches focus on a comfortable typing experience, the Aqua's lighter, more effortless touch contrasts with the BCP's bounciness, potentially offering a more dynamic feedback experience.
Overall, both the Dareu Aqua and Kailh BCP linear switches cater to different preferences while sharing common traits in sound and feel. The Aqua's lightweight design and chirpy, clacky sound provide a distinctive touch for those who prioritize lighter typing, while the BCP offers a unique bouncy texture paired with a poppy sound. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance user experience, but they do so through different tactile and acoustic presentations, allowing newcomers to explore which switch resonates best with their style of typing or gaming.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch should ultimately depend on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you are someone who enjoys a super light touch while typing, the Aqua’s low actuation force of 37 grams, combined with its chirpy and clacky sound profile, makes it an excellent option. This switch is particularly suited for tasks that require rapid keystrokes, such as gaming or extensive typing, as it minimizes finger fatigue significantly. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile response with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the Kailh BCP switch might be more up your alley. Its creamy, elastic feel and signature poppy sound provide a satisfying typing experience that some typists appreciate for its feedback. Overall, choose the Aqua for a lighter, airy touch and if you’re inclined towards a more dynamic acoustic profile, whereas opt for the BCP switch for a robust, slightly heavier typing experience.
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