Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is favored for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a feather-light touch. This switch shines in environments where a distinctive auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for those who prioritize a quiet and tranquil workspace. With a slightly heavier 43g bottom-out force, this switch delivers a serene typing experience reminiscent of raindrops, making it ideal for light typists or those who work in shared spaces. Each switch offers compelling benefits for different users; the Aqua for its playful auditory qualities and the Silent Sakura for its soothing silence. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct acoustic profiles and tactile responses. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely attributable to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, appealing to users who value aesthetics in their keyboard setup. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes a nylon top housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than its polycarbonate counterpart, producing a rounder tone. The two materials symbolize the varying design philosophies catered toward specific user preferences – one emphasizing clarity and brightness, while the other focuses on warmth and depth.
When considering the bottom housing, the roles are reversed between the two switches. The Aqua adopts a nylon bottom housing, which again lends a richer auditory experience that absorbs sound, aligning with the subdued qualities of the nylon material. This design choice aims to soften the impact of bottoming out, contributing to a muted auditory experience when pressing the keys. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a polycarbonate bottom housing that mirrors the brightness of its top, resulting in a clear and resonant sound when the keys are fully pressed. The differing qualities of the bottom housings further segment the auditory experience of each switch – one creates a well-rounded sound profile while the other aims for a cleaner, more penetrating sound.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches employ contrasting materials for their top and bottom housings, users can achieve comparable results in terms of tactile feedback and sound profiles depending on their preference. The Aqua's hybrid design facilitates a blend of crispness from the polycarbonate top and richness from the nylon bottom, fostering a versatile user experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a similar duality, combining the deeper tones of nylon with the sharpness of polycarbonate. By balancing these opposing materials in their design, both switches cater to a range of auditory and tactile preferences, allowing enthusiasts to select based on their specific typing experience desires.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 37 grams. This means that users can expect a similar keystroke trigger experience with both switches, allowing for consistent typing performance. However, the Silent Sakura switch features a bottom out force of 43 grams, which indicates a firmer press when bottoming out, whereas the Dareu Aqua's bottom out force is unknown. Consequently, the Silent Sakura provides a heavier tactile experience, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Dareu Aqua may offer a lighter feeling due to its unknown bottom out force, contrasting with the heavier bottom out experience of the Silent Sakura. Those looking for less strain during extended use might gravitate towards the Aqua, while users favoring a robust keystroke might prefer the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom of each switch. As a result, you can expect a similar feel and performance when typing or gaming with either switch. With identical travel distances, both switches provide a consistent experience, making them suitable for players or typists who desire a linear switch with a seamless keypress action.
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 Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
The sound profile of the Dareu Aqua linear switch presents a unique auditory experience that is characterized by a chirpy and clacky signature. This means that when you type, the Aqua switches emit a slight squeak along with a sharp, crisp output that brings a lively energy to your typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch is designed specifically for quietness. It aims for a whisper-soft typing experience that rivals the tranquil sound of raindrops, ensuring that your keystrokes remain undetected even in hushed environments. The Aqua’s more prominent sound will appeal to those who enjoy a more interactive and dynamic typing audio, while the Silent Sakura caters to users seeking discretion without sacrificing the linear feel.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch excels with an incredibly light actuation force of 37g, providing an effortless typing experience. Users will find that the keys respond quickly with minimal resistance, leading to reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The description of these switches also highlights their feathery action, making them an excellent choice for those who type rapidly or require sensitive feedback from their keyboard. On the other hand, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 43g, the specific tactile qualities of its feel are not detailed. However, it is engineered to maintain a smooth linear action that promotes a comfortable experience, likely appealing to typists who enjoy a stable yet gentle touch.
In summary, the Dareu Aqua and HMX Silent Sakura switches present distinct options within the realm of linear switches for different typing preferences. The Aqua offers an expressive and lively auditory experience coupled with an incredibly light resistance feel, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of sound while they type. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura prioritizes stealth and comfort, ensuring a quiet environment for those who type softly. While they cater to different preferences, your experience will ultimately depend on your personal priorities—whether sound and feedback take precedence or if tranquility and ease during typing are your ultimate goals.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard. If you appreciate a light actuation force with a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound profile, the Aqua is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a more playful auditory experience while typing or gaming. Its ease-of-press design also makes it ideal for long sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. However, if your primary concern is maintaining a quiet ambiance, whether in a shared workspace or during late-night gaming, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch would be more suitable. With its whisper-quiet operation and gentle actuation, it caters to those who prefer a serene typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or a softer, more subdued environment, ensuring that your keyboard enhances your overall experience.
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