Dareu Aqua vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Durock Sea Glass both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aqua switch is known 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 Sea Glass switch series stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend, offering a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in typing experience despite its 62g bottom-out force. While the Aqua switch is characterized by its lightness and unique sound, the Sea Glass switch excels in its smoothness and weightlessness, creating a frictionless typing experience with a hollow sound signature. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua's housing materials consist of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, offering a unique combination of properties for sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housing. This blend results in a pleasant sound profile that is bright but not particularly sharp, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Aqua.
A key difference between the Aqua and the Sea Glass is the material used in the top housing. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile suitable for RGB lighting, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing creates a brighter sound without being too sharp. Additionally, the choice of bottom housing material also plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of each switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Aqua produces a duller and rounder sound, in contrast to the Sea Glass's blend, which contributes to a more unique and pleasant sound experience.
While the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and Durock Sea Glass differ in composition, they both aim to enhance the overall sound profile of the switch. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a mix of sharp and deep tones, providing a varied typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's use of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both top and bottom housing ensures a consistent and bright sound profile throughout. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize creating an enjoyable typing experience through carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Sea Glass has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aqua's 37 grams. Additionally, the Sea Glass also has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the Aqua remains unknown. This means that the Sea Glass switch provides a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience compared to the Aqua switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Aqua switch would be the preferable choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a heavier switch for a more tactile typing experience. In considering weight, it is essential to think about how it impacts typing comfort and endurance during extended use, whether for work or gaming purposes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Aqua switch offers a more traditional travel distance, which some users may prefer for a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch provides a slightly shallower travel distance, which can result in quicker response times, making it popular among gamers. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Aqua switch may feel more substantial, while the Sea Glass switch may feel more responsive. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 comparing the sound of the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the Aqua is known for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches offer a more hollow sound profile, attributed to their proprietary material blend and unique design. While the Aqua switch emphasizes a sharp and snappy sound, the Sea Glass switch delivers a distinct dryness and wispiness, creating a different auditory sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, offering a light and effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is characterized by its frictionless nature and mild typing feel, providing a smooth and comfortable key press without much resistance. Both switches emphasize a light actuation force, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without causing strain on the fingers. Whether you prefer a gentle and low-impact feel like the Aqua or a smoother and approachable experience like the Sea Glass, both switches offer distinctive tactile qualities that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch each bring unique characteristics to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua switch stands out for its chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Sea Glass switch offers a more frictionless typing experience and a distinct hollow sound. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic design, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a lightweight actuation force that promotes comfortable typing and reduced finger fatigue, ensuring a pleasant and responsive keystroke regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a chirpy, clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch would be a unique and distinctive choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a weightlessness that defies expectations, a distinct dry and airy typing experience, and a smooth, frictionless nature, the Durock Sea Glass switch series might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a lighter touch and unique sound profile (Aqua) or a weightless feel and smooth typing experience (Sea Glass). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a personalized and satisfying typing experience.
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