Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Oil King both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out 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 Gateron Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched, creamy sound profile that brings to mind a dark chocolate bar snapping. While the Aqua may be favored for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Oil King offers a bassy and polished 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Oil King both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, giving a more muffled and rounder typing feel. While the Aqua's top housing is better suited for those who prefer a clear and crisp sound, the Oil King's top housing provides a more subdued and solid typing experience.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Aqua and the Oil King feature housing materials that impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The Aqua's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, complementing the sharper sound created by its polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing provides a pointed and high-pitched sound, contributing to a satisfying and clacky typing experience. While the Aqua's bottom housing absorbs more sound for a duller sound, the Oil King's bottom housing enhances the impact when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Oil King offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a sharp and clear sound profile, while the Oil King's nylon and proprietary INK blend housing materials produce a deeper and clacky sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Aqua or a clackier sound with the Oil King, both switches provide distinct qualities that enhance the overall typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force differ significantly between the two. The Aqua switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Oil King switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. The bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unknown, while the Oil King switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Aqua switch more suitable, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Oil King switch, with its higher actuation force providing a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches in terms of travel distance, they both offer a consistent keypress experience with the same amount of travel required from the top to the bottom. This means that when typing or gaming with either switch, users can expect a similar feel and response. Overall, the travel distance of both the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Oil King linear switches make them ideal choices for those who prefer a standard keypress feel without the need for additional adjustments.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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, providing a distinctive auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. The light actuation force of 37g contributes to this unique sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer lighter touches. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch produces a low-pitched and bassy sound, akin to the satisfying snap of a dark chocolate bar. Both switches offer distinct sounds that cater to different preferences, with the Aqua being more chirpy and clacky, while the Oil King delivers a deeper and richer tone.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature and feathery touch, providing a low-impact and responsive typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Gateron Oil King switch, on the other hand, offers a creamy and silky feel, thanks to either factory lubrication or specific materials used in its construction. Typing on the Oil King switch feels smooth, like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Aqua being easy to press and light on the fingers, while the Oil King provides a buttery and polished feel that enhances typing fluency.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, the Oil King impresses with its low-pitched and bassy sound profile and creamy, silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, but rest assured that both options offer a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience. Whether you opt for the Aqua or the Oil King, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with each press of the key.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, you should consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a super light touch with a chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch with its 37g actuation force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a smooth and buttery typing experience reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King switch with its 65g bottom out force could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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