Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch are two popular choices worth comparing. The Dareu Aqua is known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn offers a unique blend of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, creating a rich and immersive typing experience with each keystroke. While the Aqua switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Quinn switch boasts qualities like snappy, bassy, and bouncy 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
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Gateron Quinn's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Aqua's top housing results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their unique qualities, the choice between the two will depend on the sound profile and aesthetic preferences of the user.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Quinn feature nylon housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound that is consistent across both switches. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is significant, as it plays a key role in the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Dareu Aqua and Gateron Quinn differ in material, the qualities each material brings to the switch will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Similarly, the nylon top housing of the Quinn will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing will absorb more sound and create a rounder sound. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Quinn's 59 grams. However, it is worth noting that the bottom out force of the Quinn is heavier at 67 grams, while the bottom out force of the Aqua is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aqua may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. In conclusion, selecting between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Aqua being lighter and the Quinn being more substantial in force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we find that the Aqua has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aqua's 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Quinn's 3.4 mm travel distance is shallower, making it ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Quinn to be too abrupt, preferring the longer travel distance of the Aqua for a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing 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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 offers a chirpy and clacky sound signature, creating a unique auditory experience with its light actuation force. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile, featuring a bassy and clacky tone that adds character to each keystroke. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aqua leaning towards a lighter and sharper sound, while the Quinn delivers a richer and immersive audio feedback.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery sensation, offering minimal resistance and a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Quinn switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a lively feedback with smooth and refined keypresses. Both switches excel in providing a responsive and tactile typing feel, with the Aqua focusing on a light and effortless keypress, while the Quinn offers a more dynamic and refined typing experience.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch both excel in providing unique sound and feel qualities. The Aqua stands out with its light actuation force and chirpy, clacky sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch. Meanwhile, the Quinn offers a deep and resonant sound profile with a crisp tactile bump, providing a rich and immersive typing experience. Whether you prefer a lighter and chirpy sound or a deeper and resonant tone, both switches offer a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying and personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a super light actuation force of 37g and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy 67g actuation force with a crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Quinn switch would be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what type of feel and sound you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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