Dareu Aqua vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is characterized by its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, which invites a lighter touch and provides a chirpy, clacky sound signature that some users find delightfully engaging. This makes it an attractive option for those who enjoy a more casual, responsive typing experience while minimizing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Keylin linear switch from Keygeek stands out with its premium craftsmanship, utilizing new molds to deliver a smooth typing experience enriched by rich acoustics. This switch tends to appeal to enthusiasts who prioritize a luxurious feel and satisfying tactile feedback over auditory stimulation. Both options have their merits, making it crucial to consider what aspects matter most to you in your typing journey. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Keygeek Keylin use different materials for their top housings, each contributing uniquely to the sound profiles produced by their respective switches. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a clear resonance that enhances the overall sound quality. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting effects, allowing the lights to shine through vibrantly. In contrast, the Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a softer material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The characteristics of nylon result in a duller yet rounder sound, absorbing more vibrations and delivering a sound that is less sharp but potentially warmer.
Both the Dareu Aqua and the Keylin switches share a nylon bottom housing, which significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. With its softer composition, nylon allows for a deeper, fuller auditory experience regardless of the switch's top housing material. This commonality leads to similar results in terms of sound quality during bottoming out, with both switches benefiting from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. The softer material reduces harshness and creates a more muted response when the keys are pressed down, thus contributing to a consistent feel across the two different switch types.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Aqua and Keylin provide distinct auditory experiences, the shared nylon bottom housing leads to an analogous bottom-out feel and sound. The Aqua's polycarbonate top promotes a crisp sound during key release, while the Keylin's nylon top aligns with a deeper, rounded sonic quality. Therefore, when comparing the two, it becomes clear that the diverging characteristics of the top housings influence the typist's experience differently while maintaining a cohesive auditory quality at the point of bottoming out due to their shared nylon bottom housing. Consequently, despite their differences, both switches exhibit unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences yet converge in their performance through the common use of nylon at the base.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, we can observe some distinct differences. The Aqua features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during prolonged use. In contrast, the Keylin has a slightly heavier actuation force of 38 grams, catering to those who appreciate a firmer feel when typing. However, the bottom out force for the Aqua is unknown, while the Keylin offers a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a more substantial feeling when the key is fully pressed down. This difference suggests that while both switches may provide similar actuation experiences, the Keylin's bottom out force creates a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the unknown behavior of the Aqua. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter switch for comfort during extended usage, the Aqua is the more suitable option, but those who prefer a firmer response may gravitate towards the Keylin.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch measures a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Aqua the longer option, providing a more traditional feel that some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Keylin’s shorter travel distance aligns with the modern trend favored by gamers who seek quicker response times during fast-paced gameplay. Those who enjoy a depthier key press might opt for the Aqua for its more substantial feel, while those who prioritize speed and responsiveness may lean towards the Keylin. Ultimately, both switches will cater to different preferences, with the Aqua providing a deeper travel experience and the Keylin delivering a snappier response.
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 Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, it's evident that the Aqua is characterized by its distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature. This combination creates a unique auditory experience—offering both a light squeak and a crisp, sharp response—bringing a delightful liveliness to each keystroke. By contrast, the sound profile of the Keylin is still unknown, making it difficult to directly compare it in this regard. However, both switches will likely produce varied sounds depending on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap selection, which can greatly influence acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch shines with its super light 37g actuation force, offering an effortless typing experience that is easy to press and feathery in touch. This design minimizes resistance during key presses, ensuring that users can type for extended periods without experiencing discomfort or finger fatigue, and the overall response is swift and satisfying. As for the Keylin, its tactile qualities remain undefined, leaving room for speculation. However, if Keylin offers a similarly smooth and comfortable typing experience, users could expect a comparable ease and comfort during use.
In summary, the Dareu Aqua switch excels in both sound and feel with its unique chirpy and clacky acoustics alongside its lightweight, responsive action. The specific characteristics of the Keygeek Keylin switch are not fully articulated, particularly regarding its sound and feel, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. Nevertheless, interested users might find that both switches cater to preferences for lighter typing experiences, suggesting that they could achieve satisfactory results in terms of comfort, especially if the Keylin shares qualities similar to the Aqua.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua's remarkably low actuation force of just 37 grams coupled with its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile makes it an excellent choice for casual typing and gaming where quick key presses are essential. This switch is especially beneficial for those who type for extended periods, as it minimizes finger fatigue and offers a responsive, effortless feel. On the other hand, if you seek a more premium typing experience with a touch of smoothness and a dignified sound, the Keylin switch might be your best bet. Its 48-gram bottom-out force gives a little more heft, which can offer satisfying feedback for typists who prefer a more substantial feel. While the Keylin lacks the unique sound characteristics of the Aqua, it compensates with a refined typing experience that may resonate more with enthusiasts looking for depth and richness in their keyboard acoustics. In the end, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize a lightweight, playful experience or a robust, smooth performance.
Mentioned in this article
