Dareu Aqua vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua, a linear switch, is notable for its super light 37g actuation force and distinct chirpy and clacky sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch and a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green, also a linear switch, does not have a specific standout feature but is known for its silent operation. While the Aqua may be favored for its lightness and signature sound, the Silent Green may attract those looking for a quieter 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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and Outemu Silent Green switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Aqua stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the Aqua and Silent Green offer different sound profiles due to their contrasting bottom housing materials. The Aqua's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound quality. These variations in sound are attributed to the different levels of stiffness and sound absorption each housing material provides, ultimately affecting the overall typing experience of each switch.
In terms of functionality, the choice of housing materials in switches affects not only the sound profile but also the tactile feedback. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing in the Aqua create a distinct bottom-out sound and feel, contrasting with the impact of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Silent Green. Additionally, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Thus, the combination of different housing materials in the Aqua and Silent Green switches offers users a unique typing experience with varying levels of sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in the weight required for each. The Aqua switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Silent Green's 45 grams, making the Aqua switch more sensitive and easier to actuate. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Green is 60 grams, providing a more substantial and firmer typing experience compared to the Aqua switch, where the bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Dareu Aqua switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a heavier typing feel may gravitate towards the Outemu Silent Green switch for a more robust experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch play a significant role in determining the typing experience and preference for users.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that both offer a consistent typing experience in terms of keypress depth. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and key actuation for both switches. However, it is worth noting that the travel distance of a switch can impact the overall typing feel and sound, with shorter travel distances often resulting in a quicker typing experience and potentially less noise. In this case, both the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Silent Green offer a moderate travel distance which strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of feel and key sound.
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 Silent Green 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 with its unique chirpy and clacky sound signature. The chirpy sound adds a little squeak to the typing experience, while the clacky sound is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have a specific sound description available. Sound is also influenced by the keyboard's build and keycaps used, so combining these switches with different setups may result in varying sound profiles.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its light actuation force of 37g, making it easy-to-press and feathery. These qualities provide a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate the switch. This not only enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive feel but also reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch does not have a specific feel description provided. However, similar to sound, the feel of a switch can be affected by the keyboard's design and keycaps used.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its light actuation force, chirpy and clacky sound, easy-to-press, and feathery feel, making it a distinctive choice for those who prefer a lighter touch and a unique typing experience. The Outemu Silent Green linear switch, on the other hand, lacks specific descriptions for sound and feel, so it may provide a different typing experience compared to the Aqua switch. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Dareu Aqua if you prefer an ultra-light touch with its 37g actuation force, chirpy and clacky sound signature, and easy-to-press feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This makes it a great choice for those who value a lighter touch and enjoy a unique typing experience. On the other hand, choose the Outemu Silent Green if you prefer a medium 60g actuation force and a silent typing experience. While the Silent Green may not have as distinct sound and feel characteristics as the Aqua, it provides a solid and quiet typing experience that may be preferable in noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel.
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