Dareu Aqua vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. 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 Outemu Blue Jade is known for its clicky feedback without any specific standout features mentioned. Generally, the Aqua switch is best suited for those who enjoy a lighter and easier-to-press typing experience, while the Blue Jade switch may appeal to those who prefer a clicky sound with each keystroke. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Blue Jade switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those seeking a more distinct auditory experience. In contrast, the Blue Jade's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, perfect for individuals looking for a softer and more resonant typing sound. While both materials excel in enhancing sound quality, they differ in the type of sound they produce, with polycarbonate offering a clearer tone and nylon providing a rounder and more muffled sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Aqua and Blue Jade switches utilize nylon as their material of choice. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This consistency in material choice for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality between the two switches. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing highlights a commonality in the switches' ability to deliver a deep and full sound that appeals to a wide range of users.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom components of a switch allows for a unique typing experience that incorporates the qualities of both materials. The contrasting characteristics of the top and bottom housings influence the sound profile during key presses and key releases, contributing to an overall dynamic typing experience. While the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel of bottoming out a key. This distribution of properties ensures that each part of the switch contributes to a comprehensive and well-rounded typing experience that caters to various preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there is a notable difference in weight. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Blue Jade's 50 grams, making the Aqua more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. Additionally, the Aqua has an unknown bottom out force, while the Blue Jade has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. Therefore, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Blue Jade switch. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences for keypress resistance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal typing style and preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky 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 experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Additionally, having the same travel distance means that there is no noticeable difference in the actuation process between the two switches. As a result, whether you choose the Dareu Aqua or the Outemu Blue Jade, you can expect a consistent and enjoyable typing experience 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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 stands out for its unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, offering a distinctive experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. The chirpy sound adds a little squeak to each press, setting it apart from other switches, while the clacky sound is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force not only enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel but also reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similarly, the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch is unknown, so it's challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two in terms of feel.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch excels in delivering a unique sound profile with its chirpy and clacky characteristics, paired with an easy-to-press and feathery feel that enhances the typing experience and reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch are unknown, users can expect a different experience based on the lack of information provided. Ultimately, individuals looking for a lighter touch and distinctive sound may find the Dareu Aqua switch to be a suitable choice, but for those who prefer clicky switches, further research into the Outemu Blue Jade switch would be necessary to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, you should opt for the Aqua if you prefer a lighter touch and want a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature. The Aqua's super light 37g actuation force and distinctive sound profile make it a great choice for those who value a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Blue Jade might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Whether you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience with the Aqua or enjoy a more tactile and clicky typing experience with the Blue Jade, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your overall typing experience.
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