Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is easy to press and feels feathery. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smooth and buttery feel, emitting a low, "thocky" sound with satisfyingly thick resistance. The Milky Yellow Pro excels in both gaming and typing, making it a versatile choice for all-purpose use. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, making them appealing options for different users. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the difference in stiffness between polycarbonate and nylon leads to varying sound profiles when typing on these switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Aqua and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilize a nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with stiffer bottom housings. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches highlights the importance of sound absorption in creating a well-rounded typing experience. While the top housing may have a more significant impact on the sound when pressing or releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall sound profile of these switches.
In terms of design, the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) both prioritize sound quality with their housing materials. The use of polycarbonate and nylon in different combinations for the top and bottom housings allows for a balance between sharp, clear tones and deeper, fuller sounds. While the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing offers a more resonant and crisp sound for RGB lighting effects, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing provides a richer sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and the aesthetic appeal of the housing materials used.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, the lack of information on the bottom out force means it may not provide as much resistance when fully depressed. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, giving a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, with a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers more resistance when pressing keys fully. If both switches had the same actuation force, users would experience similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes, but the Gateron switch would provide a heavier resistance when bottoming out, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you can expect a similar amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance may result in comparable typing experiences in terms of key feel and overall responsiveness. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dareu Aqua or the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will depend on other factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and overall preference for linear switches.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 is characterized by a chirpy and clacky sound signature, offering a unique and distinct auditory experience. The light 37g actuation force of the Aqua contributes to this playful and sharp sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lighter touch with a bit of flair. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch boasts a low-pitched and thocky sound, providing a deep and satisfying auditory feedback during key presses. The Milky Yellow Pro delivers a rich and bass-heavy tone that resonates well with both gaming and typing activities, offering a classic and budget-friendly sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, with minimal resistance and light actuation force that enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and providing a responsive feel. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro switch is described as buttery and textured, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience while providing a subtle friction that some users may appreciate for its tactile feedback. Both switches excel in their own right, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel and keypress feedback.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua provides a chirpy and clacky sound profile with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Milky Yellow Pro delivers a low-pitched and thocky sound with a buttery and textured typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and budget considerations. However, with the information provided, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, you should take into account your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and key feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a smooth, "thocky" sound with a buttery and uniform typing sensation, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the experience you are looking to achieve with your mechanical keyboard.
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