Dareu Aqua vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing needs. The Dareu Aqua linear switch boasts a super light 37g actuation force, providing an easy-to-press experience with a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a distinctive typing sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, giving a satisfying level of resistance when pressed for a precise and comfortable typing experience. These switches are designed to be quiet, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. 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
42g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches where sound quality is important. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches.
In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Aqua elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2). Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches, with the Dareu Aqua offering a different tactile experience compared to the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2).
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dareu Aqua creates a unique typing experience with a sharp top-out sound from the polycarbonate top housing and a deep bottom-out sound from the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) maintains consistency in housing material with polycarbonate for both the top and bottom, providing a cohesive sound profile throughout typing. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users may prefer the distinct typing experience of the Dareu Aqua or the consistent sound profile of the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2).
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it is evident that the Aqua is lighter in terms of actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White (V2) at 42 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Silent Bluish White (V2) at 50 grams is heavier than the Dareu Aqua, for which the value is unknown. This means that the Aqua requires less force to trigger a keystroke but lacks information on the force needed to bottom out, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a lighter actuation force but a heavier force for bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. If one prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions, the Aqua would be more suitable, whereas if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the preferred option.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, we can see that the Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Bluish White's 3.5 mm. The Aqua offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, with the Aqua offering a deeper feel and the Silent Bluish White offering a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking for.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, giving it a unique and distinctive acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch is designed to be as quiet as possible, with a more muted sound profile that minimizes noise. Depending on your preference for a louder or quieter typing experience, you can choose between the energetic sound of the Aqua or the subdued sound of the Silent Bluish White.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch boasts an easy-to-press and feathery sensation, providing a light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances typing comfort. Conversely, the Silent Bluish White (V2) switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience with a more uniform sensation, suitable for those who prefer a more gentle tactile feedback during typing. Additionally, the stepped, subtle, and polished qualities of the Silent Bluish White contribute to a smoother and refined typing experience overall.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offer unique characteristics in both sound and feel. While the Aqua provides a livelier and more distinctive sound with a feathery typing feel, the Silent Bluish White offers a quieter and more uniform sound profile with a buttery and mild typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing comfort. However, if you prefer a lighter touch and a quieter typing experience, both switches can provide similar results in terms of comfort and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactile feel with a level of resistance that provides a precise typing experience while keeping noise to a minimum, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch would be more suitable, especially for office or shared living space use. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired typing experience when selecting between these two switches.
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