Dareu Aqua vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua stands out for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination through its light diffuser. While the Aqua is known for being easy-to-press and feathery, the Lightning Silver V3 is described as silky. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for housing switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. While both keyboards share this common feature, the overall typing experience may vary based on the other materials used in the construction.
Where the Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, the Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing on the Lightning Silver V3 contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each keyboard, providing users with distinct preferences in terms of sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Aqua and the Lightning Silver V3 are different, the qualities each material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom of the keyboard. The bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing the key. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of a mechanical keyboard, catering to different preferences and tastes among users.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Aqua boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's heavier 48 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Aqua is unknown, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a medium 60 grams bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Aqua may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aqua switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua being on the longer side and the Lightning Silver V3 being slightly shallower. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, providing users with a distinct auditory experience characterized by a light and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that adds a sharp and vibrant element to the typing experience. Both switches offer compelling sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aqua being chirpier and clackier, while the Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its high-pitched tones.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch boasts an easy-to-press and feathery sensation, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing experience that is gentle on the fingers. Conversely, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their unique tactile qualities, catering to users who prefer either a light and effortless touch or a seamless and smooth typing feel.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel, catering to users with different preferences. While the Aqua excels in its chirpy and easy-to-press characteristics, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and silky typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a lighter touch with a unique sound profile or a smooth and seamless typing feel with a sharper sound signature, both switches provide high-quality options that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that you'll achieve satisfying results with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you value a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what matters most to you in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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