Dareu Aqua vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Outemu Cream Yellow offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua, a linear switch, is renowned for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to users seeking a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, does not have a standout feature but is known for its smooth tactility. The Aqua switch is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of chirpy and clacky typing experience, while the Cream Yellow switch is ideal for users looking for a smooth tactile feedback. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Cream Yellow, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the overall sound profile and feel of typing on each switch may still vary depending on other factors such as the keycap material and switch design.
On the other hand, the Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic material that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for light to shine through the housing. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Cream Yellow will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel when typing. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the differing top housing materials will impact the overall sound and feel of each switch. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing or a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing, each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that they both have different weight requirements. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Cream Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Cream Yellow is also heavier at 60 grams, as opposed to the Aqua which has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua switch would be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Aqua switch is therefore the longer of the two, with a more traditional travel distance, while the Cream Yellow switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cream Yellow switch with its shorter travel distance, as it provides a quicker keystroke. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Aqua switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Cream Yellow 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 offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, providing a distinctive auditory experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. The chirpy quality adds a subtle squeak to the switch, while the clacky characteristic produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, information regarding the sound quality of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is not available. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses with a super light 37g actuation force. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The feathery feel of the Aqua switch further enhances the typing experience by requiring minimal exertion from the fingers, making it ideal for prolonged use in various settings. Unfortunately, details regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch are not provided.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its unique sound profile and light actuation force, offering a pleasant typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. While information on the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is limited in this comparison, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches may provide similar results in terms of feel and sound based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a super light actuation force of 37g and enjoy the chirpy and clacky sound signature, then the Dareu Aqua switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60g and are looking for a tactile switch, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch might be more suited to your typing needs. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and actuation force to make an informed decision on which switch would best enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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