Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, one can observe distinct differences in their characteristics and intended use. The Dareu Aqua stands out for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is specifically tailored for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, ideal for professional settings that require discreet and continuous typing. While the Aqua switch is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Feathery', the Mountain Top switch is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and unique qualities to consider. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The differences in the housing materials result in distinct auditory experiences for users. While polycarbonate offers a more resonant and clear sound due to its stiffness, nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, while nylon is a classic choice for a more traditional typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a smoother and rounder sound. Despite both switches using the same material for their bottom housing, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall typing experience remains significant. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the user's tactile feedback and typing experience.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Mountain Top provide users with unique typing experiences. While the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile suitable for RGB lighting, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deep and full sound while typing. Understanding the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the sound and feel of a switch can help users choose the switch that best fits their preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Mountain Top at 50 grams is heavier than the Aqua, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Aqua switch may be preferred for those looking for a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch could be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier push force. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Aqua has a longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The Aqua's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper keypress feel, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's 3.4 mm travel distance is shallower, making it more suitable for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky tones, providing a distinctive auditory experience for users who enjoy a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed to deliver a quiet typing experience suited for office environments, striking a balance between subdued sound and light actuation. While the Aqua switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky sounds, the Mountain Top switch emphasizes discretion and professionalism with its neutral sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a typing experience that is both responsive and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, incorporating elements of snappiness and subtlety for a lively yet gentle typing sensation. Both switches prioritize user comfort and efficiency, with the Aqua switch focused on light actuation and the Mountain Top switch offering a mild and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, they both excel in providing users with a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer the distinctive chirpy and clacky sounds of the Aqua switch or the quiet professionalism of the Mountain Top switch, you can expect similar results in terms of comfort and efficiency from both options. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as well as the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you should evaluate your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a comfortably light actuation force, especially for office settings, the Mountain Top switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a unique typing experience with a light touch or a discreet and professional typing experience.
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