Dareu Aqua vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua switch is known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Moyu Blacks stand out with their sharp tactile feel, featuring a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper upstroke bump for a hypertactile sensation. While the Aqua switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Feathery', the Moyu Black switch is categorized as 'Accented' and 'Sharp'. Both switches offer a premium typing experience, but the Aqua switch is more gentle and easy to press, while the Moyu Black switch provides a more pronounced and impactful typing experience. 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
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) both provide unique characteristics with their housing materials. The Aqua utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing, offering a more neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. While the Aqua leans towards a clearer and resonant sound, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) focuses on a balanced and mellow tone.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Aqua utilizes nylon which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) also uses PBT for its bottom housing, emphasizing a neutral sound profile that complements the PBT top housing. Both switches offer a variety of sound profiles based on the combination of their unique housing materials.
Although the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) have different housing materials for their top and bottom, they each provide a balanced sound profile that combines the qualities of their respective materials. The impact on the sound and feel of pressing down on the switch is influenced by the bottom housing material, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in keyboard switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it is evident that the Aqua switch is lighter in feel than the Moyu Black. The Aqua has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter to trigger a keystroke compared to the Moyu Black's 50 grams actuation force. Additionally, the Aqua does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Moyu Black has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Aqua switch may be more suitable. However, for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more tactile typing experience, the Moyu Black would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that you will get a consistent feel and response from both switches in terms of travel distance. As a result, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between the two switches, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a key 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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 known for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, giving off a unique acoustic experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is described as resonant, providing a higher-pitched sound profile that offers an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience, with the Aqua producing a chirpy and clacky sound, and the Moyu Black creating a resonant and sharp sound.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions and provide a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is known for its accented and sharp tactile feel, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the Moyu Black provides a distinct feedback intensity with each keypress.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua provides a chirpy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, while the Moyu Black offers a resonant sound with an accented and sharp tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a premium typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your keyboard and keycap choices. Overall, with either switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force and a sharp, resonant tactile feel with a strong downstroke and upstroke bump, then the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch will provide a distinctive and impactful typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience you desire.
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