Dareu Aqua vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting two mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and the Dareu Mahjong linear switches both offer unique characteristics to consider. The Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches boast a distinctive green and white color scheme, along with a lively and poppy sound signature, offering an effortless typing experience. While the Aqua is praised for being easy to press and feathery, the Mahjong is known for being bouncy and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making it important to delve deeper into their specific features to determine the best choice for your typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Dareu Mahjong, the top housing of both keyboards differ significantly. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This allows for a more resonant and clear sound, ideal for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong boasts a POK top housing, which offers a smoother and clackier typing experience. While both materials are durable, with the POK material being exceptionally strong and wear-resistant, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Dareu Aqua and the Dareu Mahjong utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. It absorbs sound effectively, creating a duller and rounder sound that appeals to those looking for a quieter typing experience. The similarities in bottom housing material suggest that both keyboards may offer a similar tactile feel and sound when typing, emphasizing consistency in user experience between the two models.
The differences in top housing materials between the Dareu Aqua and the Dareu Mahjong allow for unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, the Mahjong's POK top housing boasts smoothness and durability. On the other hand, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile for both keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and durability in a keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 37 grams compared to the Mahjong's 45 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Aqua may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mahjong offers a slightly heavier push feel. The actuation force is crucial for determining how easily a key press is registered, while the bottom out force affects the overall typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and desired level of resistance.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aqua switch has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more suited for those who prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance, with the Aqua providing a longer feel and the Mahjong offering a slightly shorter and potentially more responsive 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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch in terms of sound, the Aqua stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, offering a unique typing experience. The Mahjong, on the other hand, provides a more neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes. The Aqua's distinct squeak and sharp sound contrast with the Mahjong's more moderate and versatile sound, showcasing different options for sound preference depending on the user's taste and environment.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua switch excels in providing an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience with its light actuation force, minimizing finger fatigue and enhancing typing comfort. In comparison, the Mahjong offers a bouncy, mild, and polished feel, giving users a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth key travel experience. While the Aqua focuses on effortless and low-impact typing, the Mahjong offers a lively bounce and refined typing feel, catering to users who prefer different tactile feedback during typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Aqua excels in providing a chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, the Mahjong delivers a lively and versatile sound with a bouncy, mild, and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, users can choose between the two switches to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to best suit their needs. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for users looking for a different sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, you should consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a chirpy, clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a moderate actuation force, a neutral sound profile, and a bouncy, mild, or polished typing feel, then the Dareu Mahjong switch would suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience.
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