Dareu Aqua vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is praised for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a distinct blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its all-POM construction, short travel distance, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. Each switch has its own set of qualities that appeal to varying tastes and typing styles. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, one can see distinct differences in the materials used. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness which leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is especially beneficial for those who want to showcase RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, giving it a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Aqua's polycarbonate presents a clearer and resonant tone compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Dareu Aqua boasts a nylon material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver also utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to its pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum. Despite using different materials, both switches offer a distinct sound experience based on their housing materials, with the Aqua's nylon providing a fuller tone compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM.
Overall, the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Gateron Smoothie Silver play a significant role in defining the sound profiles of each switch. While the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and clearer sound, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, the Aqua's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller sound compared to the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring only 37 grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have an unknown measurement. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to fully press the keys on both switches. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dareu Aqua for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Aqua switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. The Aqua switch, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional depth when pressing down on a key, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, offers a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Aqua offering more depth and the Smoothie Silver providing faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, providing users with a distinctive auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. The chirpy sound adds a bit of character, while the clacky sound gives a sharp and percussive feedback, making typing more engaging. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, which is smooth and satisfying, creating a different typing atmosphere altogether. While both switches provide enjoyable sound profiles, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers an easy-to-press sensation with its super light 37g actuation force, requiring minimal effort to activate. This feather-light touch not only makes typing effortless but also reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and short travel distance, providing a lightning-fast actuation that enhances typing speed. While the Aqua switch focuses on a gentle and low-impact typing feel, the Smoothie Silver switch prioritizes speed and responsiveness. Again, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and typing habits.
Overall, both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, along with its easy-to-press and feathery feel, catering to users who prefer a lighter touch and distinctive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch provides a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness, focusing on speed and responsiveness for a different typing experience. Whether you choose the Aqua or the Smoothie Silver, you can expect a high-quality linear switch that meets your preferences and enhances your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what specific characteristics you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you value a super light actuation force, chirpy and clacky sound signature, and an easy-to-press feel, then the Dareu Aqua switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to assess what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
