Dareu Aqua vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and TTC Silent Red both offer unique characteristics worth exploring. The Dareu Aqua, a linear switch, stands out with 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 TTC Silent Red, also a linear switch, boasts a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switch offers a consistent feel from top to bottom, along with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. While the Aqua switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Silent Red switch provides a buttery and polished typing experience. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The Dareu Aqua and TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Aqua and Silent Red differ in their bottom housing material, with the Aqua using nylon and the Silent Red also using nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings provides a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Dareu Aqua and TTC Silent Red utilize polycarbonate top housings, the housing materials for their bottom housings differ. The Aqua's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively than the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall sound profile of the switches when typing or gaming. However, the similarities in the top housing material of polycarbonate mean that both switches will deliver a sharp, high-pitched sound profile with clear resonance.
In general, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Dareu Aqua and TTC Silent Red means that each material brings its own unique qualities to the overall sound profile. The bottom housing material, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in a switch can create a dynamic and versatile typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it becomes evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Aqua switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams, making the Aqua switch more responsive to a lighter touch. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Red is 63.5 grams, indicating a heavier push feel when compared to the Aqua switch's unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Aqua switch may provide a more effortless typing experience, the Silent Red switch offers a more substantial and tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Weight considerations are key, with lighter switches being favored for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches provide a more robust typing feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Aqua offers a bit more depth and keypress feel due to its longer travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more traditional keyboard experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance, which is ideal for gamers or those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and whether you prioritize depth or speed in your typing.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 is known for its unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, creating a distinctive auditory experience. The chirpy characteristic adds a subtle squeak to the switch, while the clacky feature produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed to offer a muted sound profile, perfect for use in quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. The muted quality reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a smoother and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Aqua offering a more unique and noticeable sound profile compared to the Silent Red's subtle and muted tones.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its easy-to-press nature, with a super light 37g actuation force that requires minimal effort to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the feathery feel of the Aqua switch further enhances comfort and makes typing effortless. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as providing a buttery and mild typing experience. The buttery sensation implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the mild characteristic offers a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. Moreover, the polished finish of the Silent Red switch contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the Aqua switch offers a lighter and more feathery typing experience, while the Silent Red switch provides a smoother and more polished feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signatures, as well as its easy-to-press and feathery feel, making it a distinctive choice for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch excels in providing a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild typing experience with a polished finish. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for different typing environments and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a unique sound profile and light actuation force (Aqua) or a smooth, quiet typing experience with a buttery feel (Silent Red).
Conclusion
In conclusion, when selecting between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the TTC Silent Red switch is the ideal option. Consider where and how you will be using your keyboard to determine which switch best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on your personal preferences and requirements.
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