Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is celebrated for its remarkably light 37g actuation force, appealing to typists who enjoy a feather-light touch combined with a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer faster, easier presses without sacrificing auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are designed for a more tactile and acoustically refined experience. With their bright and clacky sound, these switches excel in creating an elevated typing atmosphere, particularly suited for those upgrading their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. While both switches present compelling advantages depending on your typing style, choosing between them ultimately hinges on your desire for a lightweight, effortless feel versus a robust and immersive auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
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
The Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Magnetic Jade utilize identical materials for their top housing—the polycarbonate plastic—leading to comparable acoustic properties between the two switches. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate's stiffness, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This shared characteristic allows both switches to excel in environments where clarity in key presses is desirable. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances their aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting, making both switches visually striking while still delivering a clear auditory experience.
However, the differences arise in their bottom housing materials. The Dareu Aqua employs nylon for its bottom housing, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade also uses nylon. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more vibrational energy. With both switches sharing the same nylon bottom housing, they will exhibit similar sound absorption qualities, making the overall auditory experience warmer and rounder. Since the bottom housing has a significant influence on the feel and sound of the switch during bottom-out, this shared attribute further aligns their performance characteristics.
In summary, although both the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Magnetic Jade share similarities in their top housing materials, they also exhibit shared choices in their bottom housings which contribute to a well-rounded auditory experience. When typing on either switch, one can expect a bright sound profile from the polycarbonate top while benefiting from the deeper tones generated by the nylon bottom. As a result, users will experience complementary auditory qualities that blend the crispness of polycarbonate with the fullness of nylon, ultimately creating a satisfying typing experience in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua linear switch features an actuation force of 37 grams, whereas the Magnetic Jade requires only 30 grams to actuate, making the Magnetic Jade the lighter option overall. However, the Gateron switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unavailable. Therefore, while the actuation force of the Aqua switch is heavier than that of the Magnetic Jade, users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Magnetic Jade for its lower actuation force along with its medium-light bottom out feel, which could enhance prolonged typing and gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Aqua switch provides a more pronounced keypress, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming, offering a sense of feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade's travel distance caters to those who prioritize responsiveness, as the shorter 3.5 mm travel allows for quicker actuation, a preference often favored by gamers for faster response times. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Magnetic Jade will be the better choice, whereas the Aqua switch will suit those who enjoy a hearty depth in their key presses.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
The sound characteristics of the Dareu Aqua linear switch offer a distinctive acoustic experience that is both chirpy and clacky. The chirpy quality introduces a slight squeak, providing a unique touch that not all switches possess. The clacky aspect is expressed through a sharp and snappy sound, delivering crisp and bright auditory feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are noted for their bright and clacky sound, tailored for those prioritizing superior acoustics in their typing experience. While the specifics of the Jade's acoustic profile are less detailed, it aligns closely with the Aqua's clackiness, making them both appealing choices for users favoring a lively sound from their keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua switch stands out due to its super light 37g actuation force, resulting in an exceptionally easy-to-press experience. This light resistance encourages effortless key presses, promoting comfort and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The feathery quality further enhances this sensation, allowing for minimal exertion, which is particularly advantageous for activities requiring extensive input like gaming and work. As for the Gateron Magnetic Jade, the specific tactile qualities are currently unknown. However, given that both switches serve to enhance the typing experience, it is likely that the Jade offers a level of responsiveness that could rival the Aqua's user-friendly attributes.
In summary, both the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches cater to typists who appreciate auditory and tactile feedback. The Aqua excels in delivering a unique chirpy and clacky sound paired with an incredibly light press, fostering comfort in prolonged use. Although the specifics of the Gateron Magnetic Jade's feel are not detailed, its bright and clacky acoustic profile suggests it also aims for an engaging typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are likely to meet the needs of users seeking lighter and more responsive options, encouraging the exploration of personal preference as a determining factor in their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, your decision should reflect your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a light and effortless keystroke, the Aqua with its 37g actuation force will be your go-to option. It's designed for those who enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound, making it particularly appealing for casual typing and gaming experiences where quick response times and minimal finger fatigue are desirable. On the other hand, if you're in search of a more robust typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force of 55g, the Magnetic Jade stands out as an excellent choice. Its bright and clacky sound profile is perfect for getting that satisfying auditory feedback during each key press, catering to users who enjoy a bit more resistance along with superior acoustic properties. In summary, let your typing style and sound preference guide you; go with the Aqua for lighter, fluffier vibes or choose the Magnetic Jade for a weightier and acoustically enriching experience.
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