Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Dareu Aqua and HMX Lucky offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. The Dareu Aqua linear switch is noted for its super light 37g actuation force, which provides a delightful balance of chirpy and clacky sound, appealing to those who enjoy a lively and responsive typing feel. Its feather-light touch makes it a great option for users who prefer less resistance while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch features softer, glittery nylon housings that contribute to a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, making it a preferable choice for users who prioritize a smooth, consistent keypress without the added auditory stimulation. While both switches are linear, the Aqua excels in sound dynamics and actuation lightness, whereas the Lucky focuses on a balanced and satisfying tactile 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Lucky, a clear distinction arises between their top housings while their bottom housings share similarities. The Aqua incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffer nature promotes a resonant sound that pairs effectively with RGB lighting due to its translucency, enhancing the aesthetic experience. In contrast, the Lucky features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon’s softness allows it to absorb sound better than polycarbonate, which contributes to a duller, rounder audio output. Thus, while the Aqua's top housing is designed for clarity and brightness, the Lucky's top housing aims for warmth and depth, presenting two divergent auditory experiences.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a harmonious auditory experience when it comes to the feel and bottom-out sound of the switches. The nylon material employed in both the Aqua and the Lucky ensures a rich, consistent bottom-end response, which is crucial for a satisfying typing experience. With its inherent sound-absorbing properties, nylon naturally cushions the sound generated when keys are pressed, resulting in a softer and more muted bottom-out experience. Given that both switches leverage the same material for their bottom housings, users can expect similar acoustic qualities in that aspect, regardless of the differing materials used in the tops.
In essence, while the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Lucky diverge in the materials used for their top housings, they align in their bottom housing composition. The polycarbonate upper in the Aqua offers a crisp sound profile that is ideal for vibrant lighting effects, whereas the nylon top in the Lucky delivers a deeper, more rounded sound signature that emphasizes muted tones. This difference in top housing materials generates varying tactile and auditory experiences, but the shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches will provide a cohesive feel and sound down below. Thus, while users can enjoy distinct top-end characteristics, the overall acoustic consistency rooted in their shared bottom housing will unify their experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the HMX Lucky linear switch, both feature an actuation force of 37 grams, which means users will experience similar keystrokes in terms of pressure required to initiate a key press. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the HMX Lucky switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the bottom out force for the Dareu Aqua is unknown. This distinction suggests that while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Lucky switch will feel heavier when pressed all the way down due to its higher bottom out force. Consequently, the HMX Lucky switch provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feedback from their keyboard. In contrast, for users seeking a lighter touch for prolonged use in gaming or typing, the Aqua switch may be more suitable, despite lacking information on its bottom out force. Overall, the Aqua is the lighter option, while the Lucky is considered heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lucky measures at 3.8 mm. This difference means that users of the Aqua will experience a more pronounced keypress, providing a sense of depth that some typists or gamers may find more satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to those who prioritize quick, responsive actions, particularly in gaming scenarios. For individuals seeking a balance between a traditional feel and faster response times, the Aqua's 4 mm travel may be preferable; however, if a more abrupt keystroke is desirable, the Lucky's 3.8 mm travel will deliver similar results for rapid keypresses. Overall, the Aqua offers a deeper experience, while the Lucky caters to those who lean towards shorter, more responsive key actions.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile. The chirpy quality introduces a slight squeak, lending a distinctive acoustic presence that sets it apart from many other switches. Its clacky nature produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound upon key activation, creating a lively auditory experience that can energize typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch lacks a detailed sound description, so its acoustic characteristics remain unknown. However, factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps can significantly influence the overall sound output of both switches, meaning that while the Aqua's sound is well-defined, the Lucky could potentially offer a different auditory experience.
When considering feel, the Aqua switch excels with its super light 37g actuation force, which results in an easy-to-press experience and a feathery touch that minimizes finger fatigue. This gentle resistance allows for effortless key activation, making extended typing comfortable and responsive, ideal for various applications such as gaming or prolonged work. The HMX Lucky switch is also noted for its lighter touch, offering a neutral and satisfying typing experience, although specific descriptors like "easy-to-press" or "feathery" are not provided. Despite the lack of detailed descriptions, both switches are geared towards a lightweight tactile experience, which can provide similarly enjoyable typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its vibrant sound profile and light feel, catering to those who appreciate an auditory flair along with an effortless typing experience. The HMX Lucky switch, while lacking specific sound descriptors, offers a lightweight and neutral feel that should still appeal to those seeking comfort and satisfaction in their typing. Though the Aqua provides a clearer auditory signature and descriptors for its feel, both switches promise a light touch that can deliver enjoyable feedback, making either a solid choice for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific typing needs. If you gravitate towards a truly feather-light feel and enjoy a distinctive auditory experience, the Aqua might be your ideal pick. Its 37g actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort is key, and its unique chirpy and clacky sound can be delightful for those who appreciate an engaging acoustic profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that strikes a balance between lightness and a more traditional typing experience, the Lucky may be more appropriate for you. With its bottom-out force of 43g, it offers a slightly more grounded response while still providing a neutral and satisfying feel, free from excessive noise. The softer nylon housing also contributes to the overall pleasant experience, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks. Consider what elements—whether it’s sound, feel, or intended use—matter most to you when making your decision.
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