Dareu Aqua vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Aqua and Outemu Lime are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is a linear switch known 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 Outemu Lime is a tactile switch that offers a light typing experience with a touch of tactility, making it a perfect choice for tactile fans. While the Aqua is characterized by its easy-to-press feel, the Lime is known for its muted and subtle tactile feedback. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Lime, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, while the Aqua also uses polycarbonate for its top housing, the Lime sticks with nylon. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the Lime's nylon top housing provides a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing a different auditory experience for users.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Lime results in a divide in the qualities each housing material brings to the switch. When typing on these switches, the bottom housing's characteristics will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a unique blend of sharpness and fullness, catering to different preferences in sound profile. In contrast, the Lime's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing may provide a more consistent and cohesive typing experience in terms of sound texture.
Overall, both the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Lime showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of a switch. The Aqua's mix of polycarbonate and nylon offers a balance between clear, resonant sound and softer, more absorbing qualities, providing users with a diverse auditory experience. On the other hand, the Lime's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housings results in a more unified sound profile that leans towards a deeper and fuller tone. Whether selecting the Aqua or the Lime, users can expect different sound characteristics based on the switches' housing materials, catering to various preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Lime's actuation force of 35 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lime requires 45 grams of force while the Aqua's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Lime switch is both lighter in terms of actuation force and heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Aqua switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Aqua switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel is desired, the Lime switch would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Aqua offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lime, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper press when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lime provides a shorter travel distance, which is ideal for individuals looking for faster response times and a more immediate feedback when typing or gaming. Both switches offer different experiences based on the travel distance, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether the shorter or longer distance is preferred.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sounds, creating a distinctive auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. In contrast, the Outemu Lime tactile switch provides a more subdued and muted sound profile, making it a quieter option that may be preferred in shared environments or for those looking for a more subtle typing experience. Both switches offer their own distinct sound qualities, catering to different preferences among users.
In terms of feel, both the Aqua and Lime switches offer a feathery light typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. The Aqua switch provides an easy-to-press feel, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, while the Lime switch offers a mild and approachable tactility that adds a satisfying touch to each keystroke. Overall, both switches deliver a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger strain, making them suitable for various applications from gaming to work.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch stands out with its light actuation force and distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, appealing to users looking for a lighter touch with a bit of character in their typing sound. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a silenced sound profile and a feathery light tactility, providing a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: Opt for the Dareu Aqua if you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch and a unique typing experience. On the other hand, choose the Outemu Lime if you prefer a light tactile switch with a slight bump and a more muted sound profile. These switches are perfect for those who want a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, as well as for shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to enhance your overall typing experience.
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