Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and HMX Poro both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences while maintaining a linear design. The Dareu Aqua is known for its feather-light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a more responsive touch in their typing experience. This makes it an excellent option for gamers and typists alike who prefer a switch that requires minimal effort to actuate. On the other hand, the HMX Poro presents a silky smooth keystroke experience, thanks to its meticulous lubrication, which results in a satisfying glide and a distinct poppy sound profile. With a similarly light actuation force, the Poro emphasizes a bouncy, creamy feel that can enhance comfort during prolonged use. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches could boil down to whether you prioritize a chirpy, clacky experience with the Aqua or a smooth, buttery feel with the Poro. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Poro switches, a striking distinction emerges concerning the top housing. The Aqua utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffer properties that produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly favorable for users who appreciate clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Poro features a nylon top housing, a classic material that contributes to a more subdued sound profile. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Therefore, while the Aqua might be better suited for users seeking a brighter sound, the Poro appeals to those craving a mellower and rounder audio feedback.
Delving into the bottom housing of both switches reveals a notable similarity, as both the Aqua and Poro employ nylon for this component. This commonality means that, regardless of the contrast in their top housings, both switches will deliver a warm and rich sound profile attributed to the nylon material. The bottom housing's properties primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, which means the user experience will share a certain degree of continuity between the two models in terms of the overall audio characteristics during actuation. This consistency is crucial for both switches, ensuring that regardless of their top housing distinctions, the base sound profile remains deep and resonant.
In conclusion, the differences in top housing materials between the Dareu Aqua and HMX Poro not only shape their respective acoustic signatures but also reflect the diverse preferences of users. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua offers a sharp and bright typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy clarity, while the nylon top housing of the Poro embodies a softer and rounder sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a fuller auditory experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes the overall experience, ensuring that both switches maintain depth in sound, providing users with a satisfying typing sensation irrespective of their choice. Thus, while each switch presents its unique auditory qualities, the bottom housing commonality proves vital in achieving elements of similarity in user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the HMX Poro linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Aqua switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience that minimizes fatigue during prolonged use. In contrast, the Poro switch requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams, offering a firmer feel that some typists and gamers may appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. While the Aqua's bottom out force is unknown, the Poro has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a more pronounced tactile feedback when fully pressed. This difference suggests that the Poro switch may suit users who prefer the heft of a heavier switch, while the Aqua might be better for those seeking lightness and ease during extended use. Overall, if you desire a lighter feel, the Aqua will be more suitable, but for those who favor a heavier option, the Poro switch would be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Aqua is characterized by a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poro has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This slight difference plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Aqua's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may find more satisfying and substantial. In contrast, the Poro's 3.7 mm distance caters to those who prefer a quicker response time, making it potentially more desirable for gamers who value speed and efficiency in their key presses. Consequently, if a user opts for the Poro switch, they can expect a more immediate feedback with each keystroke, which some may find preferable, while others might appreciate the more pronounced travel of the Aqua switch for its tactile experience. Therefore, depending on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness, one may choose between the longer Aqua or the shorter Poro switch.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 switch offers a distinctive blend of chirpy and clacky tones. The chirpy quality adds a unique squeak, giving the switch an engaging character that can inject some playful energy into your typing experience. Meanwhile, the clacky aspect produces a crisp, bright, and percussive snap that adds to its lively sound profile and makes each keystroke feel rewarding. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch leans heavily into a clacky sound, known for its sharp and snappy characteristics. While both switches produce clacky sounds, the Aqua's additional chirp offers a layer of complexity that some users may find more pleasing, depending on their preferences. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience will also depend on the keyboard build, switch housing, and keycap material you choose.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch impresses with its super light actuation force of 37g, making it exceptionally easy to press. This feature ensures a more comfortable typing experience, allowing for extended use without finger fatigue. The responsiveness of the Aqua switch can be described as both feathery and easy to press, catering to those who desire minimal resistance during typing. In contrast, the HMX Poro switch offers a bouncy feel that provides a spring-like feedback sensation with each keystroke, which can make typing feel active and engaging. Additionally, the creamy texture of the Poro switch contributes to a silky-smooth experience, enhanced by meticulous lubrication, leading to effortless gliding across the keys. Both switches share a feathery quality, making them suitable for prolonged typing, yet they deliver distinct sensations that can appeal to different typing styles.
In summary, the Dareu Aqua and HMX Poro linear switches each present unique acoustic and tactile experiences ideal for varied preferences. The Aqua provides a chirpy, clacky sound and a light, feathery feel, while the Poro delivers a more pronounced clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy typing sensation. While both switches excel in lightweight actuation and ease of use, the differences in their sound and tactile feedback invite users to explore which one aligns better with their typing style. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the playful nuance of the Aqua or the smooth, lively character of the Poro.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, consider your typing style and personal preferences. If you prefer a keyboard that requires minimal effort during typing and gaming, the Aqua switch with its super light 37g actuation force may be the ideal choice for you. Its unique combination of chirpy and clacky sound characteristics, along with an exceptionally easy-to-press and feathery feel, makes it perfect for prolonged typing sessions or more casual gaming experiences. On the other hand, if you favor a more tactile and bouncy sensation while enjoying a satisfyingly poppy sound profile, the HMX Poro with its 50g bottom-out force could be your switch of choice. The creamy and smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication, provide both comfort and responsiveness, making it suitable for those who appreciate a lively typing experience, especially during more focused tasks or when quick reflexes are essential. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback, sound signature, and the overall feel of the switches during use.
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