Dareu Aqua vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch offer unique features to consider. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and categories, such as the Aqua being easy-to-press and feathery, while the Medium Tactile is accented, stepped, mild, and polished. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Medium Tactile feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that offers clarity and resonance in sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Aqua and the Medium Tactile differ in their bottom housings. The Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Conversely, the Medium Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and fullness.
Despite sharing a polycarbonate top housing, the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Medium Tactile vary in their overall sound profiles due to their different bottom housings. While both switches offer a sharper and clearer sound from the polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Aqua creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing. This difference in sound is significant when considering the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Medium Tactile showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of mechanical keyboard switches. While both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate in their top housings, the differentiation lies in their nylon bottom housings. The Aqua's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing produces a similar sound experience. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with less effort compared to the Medium Tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Medium Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when pressing the keys all the way down. This difference in weight can cater to individual preferences, with some users preferring the lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force for a more satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. The travel distance is important as it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the key press. Therefore, whether you choose the Dareu Aqua or the Durock Medium Tactile switch, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of travel distance.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 distinctive combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, providing a unique auditory experience. The chirpy sound adds a playful and lively element to typing, while the clacky sound delivers a sharp and snappy feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, which may appeal to those looking for a softer and more cushioned typing sound. The tactile bump in the Medium Tactile switch may also contribute to a more subdued sound profile compared to the Aqua. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is lauded for its light actuation force of 37g, providing an easy-to-press experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feathery feel of the Aqua switch further enhances the typing comfort by requiring minimal exertion from the fingers. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers a balanced tactility that is pronounced and accented, providing a satisfying tactile feedback without being overwhelming. The stepped feel of the Medium Tactile switch adds a unique sensation of pre-travel and post-travel stages, enhancing the overall typing experience with a refined and polished touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a light and effortless typing feel or a more tactile and refined experience is preferred.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, coupled with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, making it a great choice for those seeking a light and breezy typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch provides a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced tactility that is accented, stepped, and polished, catering to those looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback with a refined touch. Overall, whether you prefer the lively sound and easy feel of the Aqua or the softer sound and tactile feel of the Medium Tactile, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force with a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua linear switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch would suit your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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