Dareu Aqua vs. Durock Light Tactile

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch offer unique characteristics to suit different preferences. The Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a gentle tactility that is a soothing contrast to sharper tactile switches, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. If you gravitate towards easy-to-press, feathery switches, the Aqua may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you appreciate a neutral, mild, and polished typing experience with a gentle tactility, the Light Tactile switch might be more suitable. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Aqua Linear

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Dareu Aqua and the Durock Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this material for their top housings, the Dareu Aqua features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile also uses a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound experience across both the top and bottom of the switch.

When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Light Tactile, it's clear that the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in the overall sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housings of both switches contribute to a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound experience. This combination allows for a well-balanced typing or gaming experience, with the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the differences in their bottom housings, both switches aim to provide users with a premium sound and tactile feedback while typing.

In conclusion, while the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Light Tactile may have slight variations in their housing materials, both switches excel in delivering a high-quality sound and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housings create a sharp and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound. This combination of materials allows for a well-rounded sound experience with a balance of clarity and warmth. Ultimately, whether you prefer the Dareu Aqua's nylon bottom housing or the Durock Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.

Weight

In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Aqua is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams, while the Light Tactile is heavier at 52 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Light Tactile's 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. Those who prefer a light typing experience may lean towards the Aqua due to its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more tactile and substantial typing feel may find the Light Tactile more to their liking. Overall, the choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and feel.

Travel distance

Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that the typing experience will be consistent across both switches, with neither being shorter or longer in terms of travel distance. Overall, users can expect a comparable feel when using either switch due to their matching travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is known for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, offering a unique and distinctive auditory experience. The Light Tactile switch from Durock, on the other hand, provides a gentler, jelly-like sound that complements its angelic tactility. The difference in sound between the two switches lies in the chirpy and clacky nature of the Aqua versus the softer and more neutral sound of the Light Tactile. Depending on personal preference, users may find the Aqua's more pronounced sound appealing or opt for the subtler sound of the Light Tactile.

Moving on to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a light and responsive typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished tactile feel, creating a more subdued typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Aqua's feathery feel contrasts with the Light Tactile's mild and polished sensation, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch or a smoother typing experience.

Considering all the available information, newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches may find that both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch offer unique qualities worth exploring. While the Aqua stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signature paired with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Light Tactile provides a gentler, jelly-like sound alongside a mild and polished tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, with both options offering distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Those seeking a lighter touch and more pronounced sound may lean towards the Aqua, while users looking for a gentler tactile feel and softer sound may be drawn to the Light Tactile, knowing they will get similar results with both switches in terms of quality and performance.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound signature and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a light touch and distinctive sound or a gentle tactility and polished typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences for an enhanced keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Aqua Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more