Dareu Aqua vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Aqua and KTT Pine are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, known for their unique characteristics. The Dareu Aqua stands out for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the KTT Pine boasts a medium-heavy feel, with a buttery smooth typing experience and minimal friction due to its factory-lubed finish. While the Aqua is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Feathery', the Pine is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched'. If you are looking for a switch that offers a light touch and distinctive sound, the Dareu Aqua may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother, medium-heavy feel with minimal friction, the KTT Pine could be the perfect choice. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the KTT Pine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful if RGB lighting is a factor. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the bottom housings differ. The Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Pine features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
In terms of sound profile, the housing materials of the Aqua and the Pine play a significant role. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Dareu Aqua creates a unique typing experience with both sharpness and depth in the sound produced. On the other hand, the KTT Pine maintains a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile throughout, thanks to the polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings. Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer distinct acoustics that cater to different preferences in typing sound.
Overall, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and the KTT Pine may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a blend of sharpness and depth, offering a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Pine's consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings results in a sharp and clear sound profile throughout. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer different qualities that cater to various typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams. The bottom out force for the Aqua is unknown, while the Pine has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the Pine the heavier of the two switches. The lighter actuation force of the Aqua may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Pine provides a more substantial typing experience. However, since the bottom out force of the Aqua is unknown, it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on the keys of both switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Keyboards using either switch will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. This similarity between the Aqua and Pine linear switches allows for a comparable feel and performance when typing or gaming.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 sounds, creating a distinctive typing experience with a light 37g actuation force. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the Aqua switch may appeal to those who enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound, while the Pine switch may suit individuals who prefer a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery attributes, providing a gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue and offering a responsive typing feel. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine switch minimizes friction for a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch stands out with its light actuation force and unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch and distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch provides a medium-heavy feel with a smoother sound profile, catering to individuals seeking a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the KTT Pine linear switch, you should opt for the Dareu Aqua if you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature. The Aqua switch excels in providing a light and effortless typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer minimal resistance during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch would be more suitable for you. The Pine switch offers a polished, factory-lubed finish for smooth key travel, ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy switch that provides a satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, your choice between the Dareu Aqua and KTT Pine switches will depend on your preferences for actuation force, sound signature, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
