Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch are two popular options to explore. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, offering a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, Gateron Melodic reinvigorates the clicky switch category with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a buttery and resonant typing experience with classic clicky sound and tactile feedback. While the Aqua is easy-to-press and feathery, the Melodic is invigorating and crunchy. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and Gateron Melodic both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. With both switches sharing the same material for their top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using either the Aqua or Melodic.
On the other hand, the Aqua and Melodic differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Aqua opting for a nylon bottom housing while the Melodic also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as the softer plastic material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarities in their bottom housing materials, the Aqua and Melodic may produce slightly different typing experiences due to other factors such as switch design and stem material.
When considering the overall typing experience, the combination of different housing materials in the Aqua and Melodic switches can impact the sound and feel of each keystroke. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Users may prefer the deeper and fuller sound of nylon bottom housings or the crisper sound of polycarbonate top housings, depending on their personal preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Melodic will come down to individual preferences in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it's clear that they have distinct differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly and with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Melodic has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the actuation force of the Melodic is not specified, it is safe to assume that it is heavier than the Aqua due to the difference in bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for key presses.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that typing or gaming using either switch will result in a similar tactile experience in terms of how far the key travels. In terms of travel distance, the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Melodic switches offer equal performance.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 unique blend of chirpy and clacky sounds, providing a distinctive auditory experience for users who prefer a lighter touch during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, allowing users to enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to varying preferences, so choosing between them would depend on the specific sound experience that you are seeking.
Moving on to feel, the Aqua switch stands out for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Melodic switch provides a buttery and invigorating typing sensation with its smooth keystrokes and pronounced feedback, creating an immersive typing experience for users. With differences in actuation force and tactile feedback, both switches offer unique typing feels that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch each offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua switch provides a chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If these factors are not critical for your decision-making, you can expect to achieve similar results in typing performance with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, then the Dareu Aqua linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic clicky sound with smoothness and a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch would be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a feathery and easy-to-press feel or an invigorating and buttery typing experience, both switches offer distinct characteristics to enhance your typing satisfaction. Choose wisely based on what resonates with your typing preferences and enjoy the personalized keyboarding experience these switches can provide you.
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