Dareu Aqua vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Dareu Aqua and the PH Studio Milk Tea, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Aqua is known for its super light 37g actuation force, delivering a distinctive blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it a favorite among those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched sound that retains a muted essence, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With an accessible bottom-out of just 43.5g and the use of Ly for the stem material, the Milk Tea switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions, ensuring every keystroke feels effortless. While the Aqua is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Milk Tea is appreciated for its polished, silky, and resonant qualities. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Aqua featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Milk Tea utilizes a POM material for both the top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Milk Tea creates a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different auditory experience for users.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Aqua's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea also contributes to a deep and muted sound, creating a consistent auditory experience throughout the switch. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through the unique sound profiles generated by their respective housing materials.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials on the sound and feel of the switch varies depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the Dareu Aqua and PH Studio Milk Tea provide users with distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their choice of housing materials, allowing for customization and personalization in their typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, we find that both switches have relatively low actuation forces of 37 grams (the Aqua) and 37.5 grams (the Milk Tea), making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milk Tea switch requires a heavier force of 43.5 grams compared to the unavailable bottom out force of the Aqua switch. This means that the Milk Tea switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Aqua switch being lighter overall and the Milk Tea switch offering a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a relatively traditional travel distance, with the Aqua being slightly longer than the Milk Tea. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Aqua. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key response.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 switch is known for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, offering a unique acoustic experience with a light and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch presents a blend of clacky and high-pitched tones, creating a balanced auditory experience with a muted essence. While the Aqua switch leans towards a lighter and chirpier sound, the Milk Tea switch offers a more resonant and polished sound profile, catering to different preferences in sound aesthetics. Both switches provide distinct auditory qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on individual preferences and accompanying factors like keycaps and keyboard build.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery attributes, offering minimal resistance and a light actuation force for effortless typing. Conversely, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch boasts a polished and silky feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. While the Aqua switch focuses on a light and gentle typing feel, the Milk Tea switch prioritizes smoothness and refined keypresses, catering to users who seek a luxurious typing sensation. Both switches deliver unique tactile experiences that can complement different typing styles and preferences, ultimately enhancing the overall typing comfort and satisfaction.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Dareu Aqua and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches in terms of sound and feel, it is evident that they offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to varying preferences. The Aqua switch stands out with its chirpy and easy-to-press characteristics, while the Milk Tea switch excels in providing a balanced and polished sound profile paired with a silky typing feel. Whether one prefers a light and sharp sound with minimal resistance or a resonant and smooth typing experience, both switches cater to different user needs and preferences. Additionally, the switches can yield similar results in sound and feel when paired with compatible keycaps and keyboards, ensuring a satisfying and personalized typing experience for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, along with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you value a balance between presence and subtlety in sound, with a high-pitched, clacky, marbly, and resonant auditory profile, along with a polished and silky smooth feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch could be the better choice for your prolonged typing sessions. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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