Dareu Aqua vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Neo Lavender HE 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 Neo Lavender HE offer two compelling options that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua, a linear switch, is characterized by its super light 37g actuation force, providing a feathery touch that makes typing effortless. Its unique chirpy and clacky sound signature appeals to users who cherish auditory feedback along with tactile responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a lively keystroke. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE employs a Hall effect design that delivers a clean, low sound, making it a quieter alternative suitable for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. This switch is also compatible with Wooting keyboards, appealing to users who value versatility and advanced features. Both switches have their merits, with the Aqua offering a lively experience and the Lavender HE prioritizing a quieter operation. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Neo Lavender HE switches are constructed using different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which allows for enhanced brightness and clarity in sound. The nature of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a crisper auditory experience, especially in combination with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing that is characterized by a softer and more sound-absorbing quality. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, producing a more subdued auditory experience that emphasizes warmth over brightness. Thus, while both switches may provide satisfying typing experiences, their audio characteristics starkly differ due to the disparate materials used for their top housings.
Interestingly, both the Dareu Aqua and the Neo Lavender HE utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in comparable sound qualities in that specific aspect. Since nylon is consistent in both switches, it contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile irrespective of the top housing material. This shared characteristic means that, while the top housing conveys its distinct audio properties, the bottom housing's nylon will yield a notably similar sound feel. As the bottom housing plays a crucial role in defining the switch's bottom-out sound and tactile feedback upon key presses, users can expect a consistent experience in this regard, regardless of which switch they choose.
In summary, the combination of housing materials in the Dareu Aqua and Neo Lavender HE showcases a deliberate design approach to sound profile differentiation. The Aqua's polycarbonate top, paired with a nylon bottom, creates a sharper upper resonance while maintaining a fuller sound at the bottom. In contrast, the Lavender HE's nylon top housing provides a more muted sound, complemented by the same nylon base for consistency. For users who are considering the distinct auditory experiences, understanding that the nylon bottom housing provides a solid foundation for both switches helps clarify that while the results may vary from a top-down perspective, the deeper sound quality remains a common thread that connects both options.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, distinct differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Aqua switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Lavender HE requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Aqua switch is better suited for users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Lavender HE provides a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Lavender HE has a defined measurement of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Aqua is unknown. Consequently, while both switches offer a linear feel, the Lavender HE presents a heavier overall feel due to its actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better choice for those who appreciate a stronger keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Aqua switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the more traditional options that some users might prefer for its hearty depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the Lavender HE features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, catering to those who may prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, like gamers. This means the Dareu Aqua has a longer travel distance, offering a deeper keypress experience, while the Neo Lavender HE provides a quicker, less abrupt response. If you lean towards a responsive feel, the Lavender HE with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its distinctive chirpy and clacky acoustic signature. The chirp adds a subtle squeak to each keystroke, while the clack provides a sharp and snappy response, creating a crisp and bright sound that many users find percussive and engaging. This means that typists and gamers can expect an auditory experience that enhances the tactile feedback of their keystrokes, making it especially appealing to those who enjoy a lively sound profile. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offers a clean and low sound that is less defined, coming off as quieter and more subdued compared to the Aqua. This can create a more office-friendly environment without the extra audibility, though it might lack the same engaging resonance found in the Aqua switches.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch excels with its easy-to-press and feathery characteristics, requiring just a light 37g of actuation force. This makes for a very effortless typing experience, minimizing finger fatigue over prolonged use. The gentle resistance allows for a highly responsive feel that can be beneficial for typists and gamers who require quick, repetitive keystrokes. On the other hand, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE switch remains unknown, making it difficult to compare directly in this area. Depending on the specific design and materials used, it's possible that the Lavender HE may offer a unique typing experience, but without definitive details, the Aqua's light and comfortable touch remains greater highlighted.
In conclusion, those interested in a mechanical keyboard switch will find that the Dareu Aqua offers a lively auditory experience paired with a remarkably light and comfortable feel, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Neo Lavender HE, while presenting a cleaner and quieter sound profile, has an undisclosed feel. Therefore, if you're looking for an engaging auditory experience combined with a soft touch, the Aqua is a clear choice, while the Lavender HE may suit a quieter environment, though further information would be beneficial for a complete comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a unique auditory experience, the Aqua switch may be the perfect match for you. With its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, it allows for effortless key presses, making it ideal for extended typing sessions whether you're gaming, working, or studying. The chirpy and clacky sound profile adds a distinctive flair that many users find appealing, perfect for those who want to keep their typing experience vibrant and engaging.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more controlled pressure feel and value reliability, the Lavender HE, with its 50g bottom-out force, provides a more robust typing experience. While it works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards and promotes a clean, low sound, it can serve you well in a variety of building or editing contexts where precise feedback is essential. Overall, consider your typing habits and sound preferences when choosing between these two switches, as each offers unique characteristics that can significantly influence your keyboard experience.
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