Dareu Aqua vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and the Cherry MX Black both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is a linear switch with a 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 Cherry MX Black, also a linear switch, boasts Cherry's perfected Hyperglide tooling for a classic textured smoothness. Typing on these switches elicits a deep sound profile with a stiff feel. While the Aqua may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch and distinctive sound, the MX Black offers a smooth and textured 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Cherry MX Black, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, regardless of whether it's on the Aqua or MX Black.
On the other hand, the top housing material differs between the two switches, with the Aqua featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the MX Black utilizes nylon. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Black contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more mellow sound compared to the clarity of the polycarbonate top housing on the Aqua.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the Dareu Aqua and Cherry MX Black impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. While both switches have nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing produces a crisper sound compared to the MX Black's nylon top housing, which offers a more mellow tone. These differences in housing materials result in unique typing experiences for users of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Dareu Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Cherry MX Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This means that the Aqua switch requires less force to register a keystroke, which may be preferred by users who type for extended periods or engage in gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing users with a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Dareu Aqua is unknown, it can be assumed that it may be lighter than the Cherry MX Black due to the lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with the same amount of key travel. This means that users can expect a similar feel and feedback when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two, as they both offer a moderate amount of key travel for a comfortable typing experience. Overall, whether you choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the Cherry MX Black linear switch, you can expect a comparable travel distance that will result in a smooth and consistent typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 sound signatures, giving it a distinctive and lively acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch provides a deep and low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison. Depending on personal preference, the Aqua switch may be preferred for its chirpy and clacky characteristics, while the MX Black switch may be favored for its deep and low-pitched tones. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by the keyboard setup and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is light and easy-to-press, with a feathery touch that reduces finger fatigue and enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its textured smoothness, providing a slightly more resistant and stiff feel during key presses. While the Aqua switch may be preferred for its ease of pressing and minimal force required, the MX Black switch offers a textured and stiff sensation that some users may find satisfying. Again, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the switch that best suits individual typing styles and preferences.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Those who enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound with easy pressing may lean towards the Aqua switch, while individuals seeking a deep and low-pitched sound with a textured sensation may gravitate towards the MX Black switch. Both switches provide unique typing experiences, and it's important for newcomers to try out different switches to determine their preferred choice based on personal preferences and typing habits. Ultimately, with careful consideration, users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, you should consider the actuation force and sound and feel characteristics that align with your preferences. If you enjoy a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a deep, low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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