Dareu Aqua vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and Keygeek Raw mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their unique characteristics. The Aqua is a linear switch that stands out for its ultra-light 37g actuation force, offering a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw is also a linear switch, known for its unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, which creates a creamy yet lightweight feel. While the Aqua is easy-to-press and feathery, the Keygeek Raw is textured, mild, and subtle. Both switches offer their own advantages and appeal to different preferences, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw, we see a clear distinction in the materials used for both the top and bottom housings. The Aqua utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw uses a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, offering a unique sound profile exclusive to this particular switch. While both materials may offer different sound profiles, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience for the user.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, we see another point of differentiation between the Dareu Aqua and Keygeek Keygeek Raw. The Aqua features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a UMPE & Si blend for its bottom housing, offering a distinct sound profile exclusive to this switch. Despite the differences in materials, both bottom housings aim to enhance the typing experience by absorbing sound and creating a unique sound profile for each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a mechanical keyboard switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the Dareu Aqua and Keygeek Keygeek Raw may use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both aim to provide a unique sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Whether it be the sharp and resonant sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Aqua or the deep and fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a distinct typing experience that caters to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, there are some notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Keygeek Raw's actuation force is unknown. However, the Keygeek Raw has a heavier bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the Aqua's unavailable bottom out force. This means that the Aqua switch may be more suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different weight options, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Keygeek Raw has the shorter travel distance compared to the Aqua. The Aqua's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a slightly deeper key press, while the Keygeek Raw's 3.4 mm travel distance is shallower, providing a quicker key response. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Keygeek Raw, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Dareu Aqua. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique feel and performance benefits depending on personal preference.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 is known for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, offering a unique acoustic experience characterized by a little squeak and a sharp, snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. While the Aqua provides a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound, the Keygeek Raw offers a more moderate and versatile sound experience, allowing for a smoother auditory feel.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua linear switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, with minimal force required for activation and reduced finger fatigue, ideal for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a slightly textured feel out of the box, providing a different typing experience that some users may prefer. With its blend of materials and unlubricated design, the Keygeek Raw switch caters to enthusiasts who enjoy customizing and hand-lubing their switches, offering a unique and personalized typing feel.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its light actuation force and distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a lighter touch and unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw linear switch's blend of materials and unlubricated design offer a creamy and lightweight typing feel, catering to enthusiasts looking to personalize their typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's desired sound profile, typing feel, and customization options.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a chirpy, clacky sound, the Dareu Aqua switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a more neutral sound profile, the Keygeek Raw switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
