Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Luciola both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua linear switch is renowned 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 Gateron Luciola switches stand out for their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and medium heft, offering a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. While the Aqua switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Luciola switch is characterized by its snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished attributes. However, 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

Gateron Luciola Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Luciola switches, it is evident that they both offer unique characteristics. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and slightly high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. Both materials contribute to a satisfying sound experience, with the polycarbonate being especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Additionally, the Aqua's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing adds to the clackiness of the overall sound profile.

While the Aqua and Luciola switches both have distinct top and bottom housing materials, they each bring unique qualities to the typing experience. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Aqua absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing. In contrast, the INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola contributes to a slightly high-pitched and clacky sound. These differences in bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, showcasing the importance of housing material in determining the typing experience.

Overall, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Luciola switches will ultimately depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches offer distinct characteristics in their housing materials, such as the sharpness of the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing or the high-pitched clack of the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing, they both provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether one prefers a crisper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound profiles. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preferences in typing feel and sound.

Weight

In comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Luciola is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the Dareu Aqua is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the maximum force needed to press a key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Aqua may be the better option for longer typing or gaming sessions. Alternatively, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Luciola with its heavier force may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Luciola has a shallower travel distance, which may cater more towards gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Aqua offering a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Luciola. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and response time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Dareu Aqua linear switch is well-known for its unique sound profile, described as both chirpy and clacky. The chirpy nature adds a touch of whimsy to typing, with a subtle squeak accompanying each key press. On the other hand, the clacky sound provides a sharp and percussive feedback, giving a tactile response to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch also offers a clacky sound profile, similar to the Aqua switch. Additionally, it introduces descriptors like marbly and high-pitched, offering a more resonant and sharp sound experience. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, allowing users to choose based on personal sound preferences.

When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is recognized for its easy-to-press and feathery typing experience. The light 37g actuation force requires minimal effort to activate each key, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The feathery feel adds an extra layer of comfort, making typing effortless and smooth. In comparison, the Gateron Luciola switch provides a snappy and buttery typing sensation. The snappy response ensures quick and responsive keystrokes, while the buttery feel offers a smooth and fluid typing experience. Additionally, the polished finish of the Luciola switch enhances the overall typing comfort with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a different feel, catering to varying preferences in typing experience.

Overall, both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch provide unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua switch delivers a chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Luciola switch offers a combination of clacky, marbly, high-pitched sounds with a snappy, buttery, and polished feel. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. With their differences in qualities, users can expect to get a varied and personalized typing experience with either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a super light and unique typing experience with a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch with its 37g actuation force would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing feel along with the added feature of glowing in the dark, the Gateron Luciola linear switch with its 60g bottom out force would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound, and any additional features that may be important to you.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Aqua Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more