Dareu Aqua vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the linear switches of the Dareu Aqua and the SP-Star Meteor White, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is known for its super light 37g actuation force, producing a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White offers a more subdued experience with its gentle linear switch, easy to push with a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. While the Aqua is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', the Meteor White is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished'. Each switch offers its own set of characteristics that may appeal to different users depending on their 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the SP-Star Meteor White both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom parts. The Aqua utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Meteor White comes with a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound with its softer plastic composition. While the Aqua's top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Meteor White's nylon top housing offers a rounder and more absorbent sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Aqua and the Meteor White feature nylon materials. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics like polycarbonate. While the Aqua's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out a key, the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing offers a similar experience, emphasizing a softer and more absorbing feel. Despite the difference in top housing materials, both keyboards provide a consistent typing experience through their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and the SP-Star Meteor White comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings offers a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Meteor White provides a consistently deep and fuller typing experience with its nylon housings. Whether you prefer a crisper, more resonant sound profile with the Aqua or a deeper, more absorbing typing feel with the Meteor White, both keyboards showcase the unique qualities of their housing materials in creating a distinct user experience.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the SP-Star Meteor White switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Meteor White switch has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, while the bottom out force of the Aqua switch is not specified. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua switch may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch would be a better choice for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity ensures that users will receive similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience when using either switch. Overall, both switches offer the same travel distance, making them equally suitable options for individuals looking for a linear switch with a 4 mm 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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 sound signatures, giving it a distinct auditory profile. The Meteor White linear switch, on the other hand, provides a gentle and pitter-patter sound profile, creating a more subdued auditory experience. If you prefer a switch with a little squeak and sharp snap, the Aqua might be the choice for you, while the Meteor White offers a more neutral and thocky sound that is gentle on the ears.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, making typing effortless and comfortable with minimal finger fatigue. In comparison, the Meteor White switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Aqua being exceptionally light to press and the Meteor White offering a smooth and refined key travel.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its light actuation force, chirpy sound, and easy-to-press feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter touch and unique auditory feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, gentle typing experience, and polished finish, catering to users looking for a more neutral and approachable switch option. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide quality performance that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer an extremely light actuation force and a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound profile, the Aqua switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a softer, more neutral sound profile, the Meteor White switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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