Dareu Aqua vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Dareu Aqua and the Gazzew LT. The Dareu Aqua, a linear switch, is known for its super light 37g actuation force, giving it a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, also a linear switch, stands out with its enticing lilac hue and offers an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness with every keystroke. The LT switch provides a seamless glide, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and Gazzew LT both utilize unique housing materials to create distinct sound profiles for mechanical keyboard switches. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. On the other hand, the LT utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for creating a clear and resonant sound, the LT's top housing offers a softer and more immersive typing experience.
In terms of bottom housings, the Dareu Aqua boasts a nylon material that generates a deep and full sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Gazzew LT employs its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Despite the different materials used in their bottom housings, both keyboards offer a similar immersive typing experience with a focus on producing a deep and satisfying sound profile that enhances the overall tactile feedback during typing sessions.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and Gazzew LT ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing offers a richer and deeper typing experience. Similarly, both keyboards feature bottom housings that contribute to a deep and full sound profile, making them both excellent options for those looking to enhance their typing experience with unique housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gazzew LT linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua has an unknown value while the LT has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Aqua will require a lighter touch to register a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the LT switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight considerations.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch both offer different travel distances for users to consider. The Aqua has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the LT has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Aqua's travel distance of 4 mm is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, while the LT's 3.2 mm travel distance is shallower and provides a quicker response time. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the LT for faster reactions, while those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience may opt for the Aqua with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sounds, providing a distinctive auditory experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch produces a deep, resonant thockiness with a bassy and thocky sound profile, creating a symphony of satisfying keystrokes. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aqua being more chirpy and clacky, while the LT leans towards a bassier and thockier sound. As sound perception can also vary based on factors such as keyboard build and keycap material, users can expect a tailored auditory experience with either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery attributes, offering a light actuation force that requires minimal effort to activate. This light touch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, information regarding the tactile feel of the Gazzew LT linear switch is currently unknown. However, with the Aqua boasting a light and effortless typing experience, users who prefer a similar feel may find the LT to offer a comparable typing sensation.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch each bring a unique set of subjective qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua's chirpy and clacky sound signature coupled with its easy-to-press and feathery typing feel caters to users who prioritize a light and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the LT's bassy and thocky sound profile offers a deep and resonant auditory feedback, potentially appealing to those seeking a more pronounced keystroke sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to explore and determine the best fit for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prioritize a super light actuation force and enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a deep, resonant thockiness and a seamless glide with every keystroke, the Gazzew LT switch could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred typing experience, whether it's a light and chirpy feel with the Aqua switch or a deep and satisfying thockiness with the LT switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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