Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Perky both offer their unique advantages for different types of users. The Dareu Aqua, with its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, appeals to those who enjoy a nimble typing experience with a delightful blend of chirpy and clacky sounds, perfect for enthusiasts who prefer a lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Perky captivates users with its softer nylon housings, delivering a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience characterized by a shorter travel distance, which can make for faster keypresses. While the Aqua offers a feathery touch for effortless typing, the Perky brings a more condensed feel that some may find preferable for speedy typing. Both switches have their merits, and your choice may depend on whether you value auditory feedback or a smooth, rapid keystroke more. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the HMX Perky feature distinct housing materials that influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Aqua utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucence, giving it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Perky opts for a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its softer characteristics that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile. While both materials serve the purpose of housing switches, their inherent properties cater to diverse auditory preferences, making each switch unique in its performance.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Dareu Aqua and HMX Perky utilize nylon, ensuring a deeper and fuller sound profile for both models. This consistency in bottom housing results in similar acoustic qualities; the nylon material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder typing experience. Consequently, despite the variance in the top housing materials, users can expect a familiar sound and feel when bottoming out the keys on either switch. As both the Aqua and Perky rely on nylon for the bottom housing, they share an underlying acoustic platform that enhances their overall performance.
In summary, while the Dareu Aqua and HMX Perky differ significantly in their choice of top housing materials, both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing, creating a cohesive sound experience. Users can anticipate that the interaction of the two housing materials will affect their typing experience in distinct ways. The Aqua's polycarbonate top provides a bright and resonant sound during key releases, while the Perky's nylon top delivers a softer auditory experience. However, the nylon bottom on both offers a similar foundation, suggesting that despite their differences, the switches can achieve a degree of compatibility in sound and feel, ultimately catering to various user preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch with the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that may influence user preference. The Aqua switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it easier to trigger keystrokes, ideal for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Perky requires a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience while typing. Additionally, the Perky switch features a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer feel when pressing down fully, enhancing the typing experience for users who prefer the sensation of a robust keypress. Since the Aqua's bottom out force is unknown, we cannot directly compare this aspect, but the available information indicates that the Aqua is the lighter switch, while the Perky is the heavier option overall. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter touch may lean toward the Aqua, while those who appreciate a more forceful keystroke may prefer the Perky.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Aqua features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Perky measures 3.4 mm. This means that the Aqua has a longer travel distance, offering a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, which some users might find preferable for its hearty depth. On the other hand, the Perky's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those who favor faster response times, potentially enhancing efficiency and speed during gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Aqua providing a more traditional, deeper feel and the Perky offering a snappier, more responsive experience.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 produces a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature. The chirpy quality adds a unique squeakiness that sets it apart, while the clacky aspect contributes a sharp, crisp, and bright auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. This dynamic acoustic profile makes the Aqua switch appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience when typing or gaming. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Perky switch is currently unknown, which leaves some uncertainty about its acoustic characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is notably easy to press and feathery, boasting a light 37g actuation force. This combination means that the switches require minimal effort to activate, allowing for a comfortable and effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial during long sessions. The reduced finger fatigue associated with such a light actuation force makes the Aqua ideal for extended use. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Perky switch remains unspecified, leaving users without a clear understanding of its tactile response or actuation characteristics.
In summary, while the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique chirpy and clacky sound profile and a notably light and effortless feel, the HMX Perky switch lacks detailed information on both its sound and feel characteristics. If you are looking for a switch with a dynamic auditory experience and a light touch, the Aqua would be the way to go. However, without further information about the Perky, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Each switch will provide its own unique experience, so personal testing may ultimately be the best way to determine which suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Perky linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a light actuation force and enjoy a typing experience that is both effortless and playful, the Aqua switches are your best bet. Their chirpy and clacky sound signature adds a touch of character to your keyboard, making them ideal for those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a more neutral and satisfying typing experience, the HMX Perky switches with their soft nylon housings could be the way to go. With a slightly higher 50g bottom out force, they provide a more condensed typing experience, perfect for users who prefer a solid and satisfying keystroke without excessive movement. Ultimately, assessing what you value more—lightness and sound versus a balanced and satisfying feel—will guide you in making the right choice for your mechanical keyboard needs.
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