Dareu Aqua vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch are two popular options that offer distinct characteristics. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, offering a gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the Aqua switch is easy-to-press and feathery, the MX Brown switch is textured, bassy, and low-pitched. Ultimately, deciding between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
55g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Cherry MX Brown, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While both switches share this characteristic, the differences in their top housings set them apart. The Aqua utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This makes the Aqua more suitable for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visually appealing experience.
The choice of housing materials for the Dareu Aqua and the Cherry MX Brown also influences the overall typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on keys, while the Cherry MX Brown's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in sound can affect the overall typing experience, as the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches offer a similar tactile feel and sound due to their shared use of nylon. This shows that while the top housing may influence the sound more prominently, the bottom housing is equally important in creating a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Cherry MX Brown play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feel of each switch. The use of polycarbonate in the Aqua's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly effective for RGB lighting usage. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, offering a different typing experience. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar tactile feel and sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua is unknown, while the Cherry MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a bit heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dareu Aqua may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown provides a more substantial typing feel with its higher bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch are the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. This means that in terms of travel distance, you will get similar results using either the Aqua or the MX Brown switch. So, whether you prefer the shorter travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the longer travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both options will provide you with a consistent and satisfying 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 Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sounds, creating a distinctive auditory experience. The chirpy sound adds a hint of excitement to keystrokes, while the clacky sound provides a sharp and percussive element to typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch produces a more subdued audio feedback, with a bassy and low-pitched tone that offers a relaxing and mellow typing experience. While both switches offer different sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall sound signature you prefer in your mechanical keyboard setup.
When it comes to the tactile feel of the switches, the Dareu Aqua switch stands out for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities. These switches require minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable, while reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The light actuation force of the Aqua switch enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this tactile feedback for a more tactile typing experience, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free feel. Again, the choice between these switches will depend on the typing experience you find most comfortable and satisfying.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aqua switch provides a chirpy and clacky sound signature with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, while the MX Brown switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile with a textured tactile feel. Ultimately, both switches deliver a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment and comfort while working or gaming. Whether you prefer a lighter touch with unique sound characteristics or a more subtle and tactile typing experience, both switches offer reliable performance that will suit your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown switch offers a more subtle and textured typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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