Dareu Aqua vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Everglide Oreo offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is a linear switch known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that boasts a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, leading to a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a medium light tactility, these switches strike a balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. While the Aqua is described as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', the Oreo is characterized as 'Accented', 'Chirpy', 'Stepped'. 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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Oreo feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for users seeking a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully. While both keyboards share this feature, the differences in their bottom housings provide unique sound profiles.
The Dareu Aqua incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and producing a duller yet rounder sound profile. This contrast in materials between the top and bottom housings on the Aqua gives users a well-rounded typing experience with a combination of sharper and deeper tones. In comparison, the Everglide Oreo utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the top housing material. This results in a consistent sound profile throughout the keyboard, offering a cohesive typing experience for those who prefer a uniform sound.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Oreo will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. The split between top and bottom housing materials in the Aqua creates a unique blend of sharp and deep tones, catering to users who appreciate variation in sound. In contrast, the Oreo maintains a consistent sound profile throughout the keyboard, appealing to those who seek a unified typing experience. Both keyboards offer the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, ensuring a sharp and clear sound profile with the added bonus of stunning RGB lighting capabilities.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that the Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Oreo's 45 grams. The Aqua also does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua may be the better choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Oreo provides a slightly heavier actuation force that can result in a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Aqua leaning towards a lighter touch and the Oreo offering a slightly heavier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is important to note that the travel distance directly affects the typing experience. With a shorter travel distance, such as the one found in these switches, typists may experience quicker key presses and potentially less fatigue over extended use. Additionally, a shorter travel distance can contribute to a more responsive and tactile typing experience. Overall, despite having the same travel distance of 4 mm, both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer a similar typing experience with a focus on efficiency 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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 that sets it apart from other switches. The Everglide Oreo tactile switch, on the other hand, boasts a subtle and mellow sound profile that complements its tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, both switches can deliver satisfying sound experiences, with the Aqua being more distinct and the Oreo offering a gentler sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience due to its super light actuation force of 37g, making it effortless and comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch offers an accented and stepped tactile feel, striking a balance between pronounced tactility and smooth keypresses. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Aqua focusing on lightness and ease of typing, while the Oreo prioritizes tactile feedback and comfort during keystrokes.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, coupled with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Oreo provides a subtle and mellow sound profile along with an accented and stepped tactile feel, offering a balance between tactile feedback and comfortable typing. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can find a switch that suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: opt for the Dareu Aqua if you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound signature that sets it apart. This switch is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch and a unique typing experience. On the other hand, select the Everglide Oreo if you desire a medium-light bottom out force and appreciate a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The Oreo provides a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing, with a subtle mellow sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preference for actuation force, sound signature, and tactile feel to ensure an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.
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