Dareu Aqua vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices come to mind: the Dareu Aqua and the Jwick Splash Brothers. The Dareu Aqua is a linear switch that stands out for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers are also linear switches known for their shorter activation and long pole stem, offering a great typing feel. These switches produce a creamy sound signature and are categorized as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and Jwick Splash Brothers both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. On the other hand, the Aqua uses a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Splash Brothers. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing.
In terms of their housing materials, both the Aqua and Splash Brothers share the same polycarbonate top housing, delivering a similar sharp and resonant sound profile. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Aqua's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Splash Brothers's nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounder and duller sound. This contrast highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound characteristics of a switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Aqua and Jwick Splash Brothers comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a balance of sharpness and depth in sound, whereas the Splash Brothers leans towards a crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing. Understanding how different housing materials affect sound can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for typing experience.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Aqua switch does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Splash Brothers switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it the heavier option. When it comes to weight, the Aqua switch would be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch would be better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push. Both switches have their own strengths, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Aqua switch will provide a slightly deeper press compared to the Splash Brothers switch. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers switch, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Aqua switch. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preferences, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and needs.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, giving it a distinct auditory experience. The chirpy nature adds a little squeak to the sound, while the clacky characteristic produces a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch provides a creamy sound signature, which offers a more neutral and moderate sound profile suitable for various environments. Both switches offer different sound profiles, catering to individual preferences and typing environments.
Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a light and gentle typing experience. The light 37g actuation force reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, offering a responsive and low-impact feel. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a mild typing experience with a snappy and bouncy feedback sensation, providing a more lively and responsive typing feel. Additionally, the switch is described as subtle and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. These differences in tactile feedback cater to users with varying preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signatures, paired with an easy-to-press and feathery typing feel. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch provides a creamy sound profile and a mild yet snappy and bouncy typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences and typing styles, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a creamy sound signature and a more versatile typing experience, the Splash Brothers switch might be more suitable. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages, so you can't go wrong with either choice as long as it suits your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
