Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches present two compelling options that cater to different preferences. The Aqua is renowned for its remarkably light 37g actuation force, which provides a feathery touch and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a quick, effortless typing experience without sacrificing auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a more substantial feel with a 62.5g actuation force, delivering a pronounced bouncy sensation that enhances the tactile experience with a bright, resonant sound. While the Aqua is celebrated for its ease of use and lighter touch, the Lotus stands out for its satisfying heft and responsiveness, appealing to typists who enjoy a more grounded feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), a notable distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Aqua utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material’s translucency enhances compatibility with RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside acoustic performance. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to the clarity and resonance of keystrokes, allowing for a heightened auditory experience that clear switches typically deliver.
In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, a classic material favored for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded audio quality. This difference in material properties means that while the Aqua provides a lively and crisp auditory feedback, the Lotus leans towards a warmer, more subdued sound experience. Consequently, users who prefer an acute acoustic responsiveness might gravitate toward the Aqua, while those seeking a mellower auditory sensation may find the Lotus more appealing.
Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, with both utilizing nylon. This commonality results in a similarity in the overall typing experience when the bottom-out sound and feel are concerned. Given that the bottom housing significantly affects the acoustics felt when a key is pressed down, both keyboards will deliver a similar foundational sound. However, the different top housings mean that each Switch will offer a unique character; the sharper clarity of the Aqua vs. the rounded tones of the Lotus. Thus, while the two switches have different top materials, their shared nylon bottom creates a unified acoustic experience at the point of actuation.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying typing preferences. The Aqua requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize extended typing sessions and a gentle touch. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch provides a more substantial actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a firmer push feel during typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Aqua remains unknown, the Lotus boasts a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating that it offers a more pronounced resistance when fully pressed down. Consequently, the Aqua will generally feel easier and less fatiguing over time, while the Lotus provides a heftier tactile experience, ideal for users who enjoy a more robust keypress.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference highlights a preference in switch design aimed at varying typing experiences; the Aqua’s longer travel distance provides a more pronounced depth, which some users may find more satisfying for typing. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) with its 3.5 mm travel caters to gamers or those seeking a quicker response time, as shorter travel distances are often associated with enhanced speed and agility. Consequently, if you value a more substantial feel in your keystrokes, the Aqua is the better choice, whereas those who prioritize rapid input may prefer the Lotus. Thus, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Aqua clearly stands out with its longer travel distance compared to the Lotus.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 distinctive acoustic experience characterized by its chirpy and clacky sound profile. This combination results in a unique balance where the chirping sound provides a subtle, squeaky layer, while the clacky element introduces a sharp, crisp punctuation to each keystroke. This makes the Aqua an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more playful auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is noted for its bright, resonant sound, although specific descriptors for this sound are not provided. The Lotus's sound is likely to be engaging and satisfying as well, but the chirpy and clacky layers of the Aqua present a more pronounced character.
In terms of feel, the Aqua linear switch is designed for ease of use, boasting a super light actuation force of 37g. This minimal resistance creates a feathery experience that's both effortless and comfortable, particularly beneficial during long typing sessions. Such a light touch helps reduce finger fatigue significantly. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch features a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, which implies a different tactile experience. While the specifics of the feel for the Lotus are not detailed, the emphasis on a "super bouncy" sensation suggests a lively feedback that may provide an energetic typing experience but could also require more effort than the lighter Aqua switch.
In summary, the Dareu Aqua and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Aqua presents a light actuation with a fun sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate a chirpy and clacky auditory experience. In contrast, while the Lotus offers a more substantial tactile feedback and bright sound, it may appeal to users looking for a more resistant and bouncy keyboard feel. Depending on your personal preferences—whether you value a light touch and distinct sound or a heavier, more impactful keystroke—your choice will shape your typing experience in unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and typing feel. If you enjoy a feather-light touch with minimal resistance, the Aqua is your ideal choice. Its 37g actuation force makes typing a breeze, allowing for rapid keystrokes with a chirpy and clacky sound that adds a unique auditory dimension to your experience. This makes it particularly well-suited for fast-paced gaming sessions or long hours of typing, where comfort and ease are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback with a satisfying resistance, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is likely to be more appealing. Its medium-heavy 62.5g bottom-out force provides a bouncy and robust feel to each keystroke, complemented by a bright, resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a little more weight in their keys, offering crisp, deliberate feedback that can be particularly rewarding for typing and gaming alike. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort level and the typing experience you seek, whether it's the light and airy feel of the Aqua or the enhanced weight and resonance of the Lotus.
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