Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Light Sakura represent two appealing options for different typists. The Aqua, with its super light 37g actuation force, delivers an engaging typing experience characterized by a chirpy and clacky sound. This switch is particularly well-suited for gamers or typists who prefer a more tactile feedback and an easily pressed key feel that enhances speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura caters to those who prioritize silence and comfort. With its ultra-light touch, this switch allows for extended typing sessions without the auditory distractions that can disrupt a shared workspace. It beautifully balances a gentle touch with a discreet operation, making it perfect for users looking to minimize noise while maximizing comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Light Sakura utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound and aesthetic characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality enhances the clarity and resonance of keystrokes, making them more pronounced and distinct. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, providing an appealing visual effect that can enhance the overall keyboard experience. Since both switches employ this material in their top housings, users can expect similar auditory effects when actuating keys, benefiting from the vibrant sound quality that polycarbonate consistently offers.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ, resulting in distinctive sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Aqua features a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its softer nature that absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This construction creates a more mellow and rounded auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Light Sakura's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, matching its top housing's characteristics. As a result, the Light Sakura will maintain a brighter and crisper sound throughout, as both components resonate similarly. Consequently, while the Aqua has a more rounded sound due to its nylon bottom, the Light Sakura will provide a more uniform and higher-pitched acoustic feedback.
This dual-material approach in the Aqua allows for a combination of the crispness of the polycarbonate top and the depth of the nylon bottom, making for a unique auditory profile when compared to the entirely polycarbonate Light Sakura. With the Aqua, users can experience a pronounced bottom-out sound combined with a significant release sound, which is shaped by each housing's unique material properties. Conversely, the Light Sakura's auditory experience remains harmonized, with both the top and bottom contributing to a consistent, clear sound. Thus, even though both switches share polycarbonate for their upper sections, the difference in their bottom housings creates distinctive tactile and sound outcomes that cater to varied typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we see that both have the same actuation force of 37 grams, indicating that the force required to trigger a keystroke is consistent between the two options. This similarity suggests that users seeking a longer typing experience might find both switches equally accommodating, as neither necessitates a particularly heavy push. However, the bottom out force diverges significantly; while the Aqua's bottom out force is unknown, the Light Sakura has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which contributes a slightly heavier feel when bottoming out. This means that while both switches share the same actuation force, the Bsun Light Sakura offers a more substantial tactile experience at the end of a keystroke. Consequently, the Light Sakura can be perceived as the heavier switch overall due to its defined bottom out force, while the Aqua remains lighter since its bottom out force is not specified. Therefore, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua may be more suitable, whereas users who enjoy a stronger push feel should lean towards the Bsun Light Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, we find that the Aqua has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Light Sakura measures at 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Aqua switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, which may appeal to users who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Light Sakura caters to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation during gameplay. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference—if you enjoy a more pronounced keystroke and deeper feedback, the Dareu Aqua would be the better fit, whereas those who value speed and a more immediate response may prefer the Bsun Light Sakura.
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 Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 considering the sound profile of the Dareu Aqua linear switch, it presents a notable chirpy and clacky acoustic signature. The chirpy quality introduces a slight squeak, giving it a unique dimension that stands out among other switches. Complemented by its clacky nature, which produces a crisp and bright snap upon actuation, the Aqua delivers a lively auditory experience that can enhance the pleasure of typing for users who enjoy a more expressive sound. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is classified as a silent switch, designed specifically to minimize sound, creating a typing experience that is both discreet and unobtrusive. This makes the Sakura an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, undoubtedly providing a stark contrast in sound to the Aqua.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is characterized by its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, making it easy to press and providing a feathery touch that promotes comfort during long typing sessions. The minimal resistance allows for effortless key presses, reducing finger fatigue, and making it ideal for both gaming and typing. Its low-impact feel enhances overall responsiveness, appealing to those looking for a swift and comfortable typing experience. Conversely, details regarding the feel of the Bsun Light Sakura are not specified, suggesting that it may offer different tactile feedback, but without information, comparisons in this aspect remain unanswered.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and Bsun Light Sakura linear switch serve distinct preferences with their respective sound and feel qualities. The Aqua offers a lively and pronounced auditory experience combined with a light and comfortable typing sensation, while the Sakura emphasizes silence and discretion during operation. For those who prioritize sound, the Aqua is undoubtedly more engaging, while the Sakura is better suited for quieter environments. Given these factors, users will find a unique experience in each switch; selecting between them ultimately hinges on individual preferences for sound and operational environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch should be guided by your specific needs and preferences. If you’re drawn to a lighter, more playful typing experience and appreciate a distinct sound with a chirpy and clacky quality, the Aqua is an excellent option. Its super light 37g actuation force streamlines your typing with minimal effort, making it particularly suitable for fast-paced tasks or gaming sessions where responsiveness is key. However, if you prioritize a quieter environment or engage in extended typing tasks in shared spaces, the Light Sakura is your best bet. With its 43g bottom out force and silent operation, it provides a smooth, fatigue-reducing feel that enables hours of comfortable use without distracting those around you. Thus, the Aqua excels in situations where sound and a light touch are valued, while the Light Sakura truly shines in comfort and discretion. Consider your daily activities, the type of environment you’ll be in, and the acoustic preferences you have to determine which switch best fits your typing style.
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