Dareu Aqua vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and KTT Mint both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is a linear switch known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a distinct chirpy and clacky sound signature that is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the KTT Mint also offers a linear switch with a satisfyingly smooth typing experience and a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. While the Aqua is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', the Mint is classified as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', '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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and KTT Mint both feature polycarbonate top housings, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that resonates clearly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches share similar qualities in terms of their housing materials, the distribution of these materials in the Aqua and Mint may lead to slight differences in sound and feel.
The differences in housing materials between the Dareu Aqua and KTT Mint lie in the distribution of polycarbonate and nylon. With the Aqua having a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the sound and feel produced when pressing down will be impacted by the nylon bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the KTT Mint features both polycarbonate top and bottom housings, ensuring a consistent sound profile across keypresses. Despite these discrepancies, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and KTT Mint ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings offers a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, depending on the keypress. On the other hand, the Mint's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout its housing provides a uniform sound profile across all keypresses. Whether one prefers the contrast in sound between the top and bottom housings of the Aqua or the consistent sound of the Mint, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the KTT Mint linear switch, which has a higher actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua switch is unknown, while the Mint switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light. This means that the Mint switch requires more force to fully press down compared to the Aqua switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aqua switch for longer typing sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial feel may opt for the Mint switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The similar travel distance of both switches allows for consistency in typing feel and performance. Whether you choose the Dareu Aqua or the KTT Mint, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key press feel and 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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 characteristics, giving it a distinct sound profile that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, providing a more mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. This difference in sound qualities indicates that the Aqua switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a lighter touch and a sharper, more percussive sound, while the Mint switch may appeal to individuals looking for a smoother and more subdued typing experience.
As for the feel, the Aqua linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. These differences in feel suggest that the Aqua switch may be preferable for users seeking a highly responsive and low-impact typing feel, while the Mint switch could be a suitable option for those looking for a comfortable and approachable typing experience with a sleek finish.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signature and easy-to-press, feathery feel, the Mint switch is characterized by its low-pitched, neutral sound and mild, polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy one characteristic over the other, selecting the corresponding switch will likely lead to a satisfying result.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the KTT Mint linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, then the Dareu Aqua switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a smooth and satisfying linear feel, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the KTT Mint switch would be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics and advantages, so taking into account your typing preferences will help you make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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