Dareu Aqua vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Aqua linear switch is widely praised for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is adored for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, along with its attractive pink and clear housings. The Aqua switch is known for being easy-to-press and feathery, while the Strawberry switch is described as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, both the Dareu Aqua and the KTT Strawberry feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic material, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. However, the Aqua's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues the trend of a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, it's interesting to note the difference in their bottom housings. The Aqua's nylon bottom housing provides a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with its top housing, creating a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout the switch. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly influence the typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in the Dareu Aqua and KTT Strawberry offers unique typing experiences. While the Aqua combines a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing for a mix of sharpness and depth in sound profile, the Strawberry maintains consistency with polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings for a full and resonant typing experience. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound and feel can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for typing feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua is lighter in both aspects. The Aqua has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Strawberry requires 43 grams for actuation. As for bottom out force, the Aqua's force is unknown, whereas the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly softer typing experience with the Aqua compared to the Strawberry. The bottom out force of the Strawberry being higher suggests a firmer keystroke feel compared to the Aqua. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Aqua, while individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance might prefer the Strawberry. Both switches offer unique benefits based on personal preference, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. When comparing these two switches, they offer a similar typing experience as they both have the same travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Dareu Aqua or the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you can expect to get consistent results in terms of the feeling when pressing down on a key.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 experience with its chirpy and clacky sound signature, distinguishing it from other switches on the market. The chirpy sound adds a touch of whimsy, while the clacky sound provides a sharp and percussive quality to keypresses. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, giving users the option to choose based on their sound preferences and typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its easy-to-press nature, offering an effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. The light 37g actuation force allows for gentle resistance during key presses, making typing comfortable and reducing strain on the fingers during extended use. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is lauded for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel. These attributes combined create an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience, enhancing overall typing comfort and efficiency. While the Aqua switch prioritizes light actuation force, the Strawberry switch focuses on providing a seamless and refined keystroke sensation.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Dareu Aqua and KTT Strawberry linear switches, users can expect different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch offers a light and chirpy sound with easy-to-press keypresses, while the Strawberry switch delivers a low-pitched sound with a smooth and frictionless typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing comfort. However, if a user prefers a lighter touch with chirpy sound, they are likely to get a similar typing experience with the Dareu Aqua linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the unique features and characteristics of each switch to determine which aligns best with your preferences. If you prioritize a light actuation force and enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a smooth and frictionless typing experience characterized by a low-pitched sound, the KTT Strawberry switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force, sound, and typing feel, so choose the switch that best suits your individual typing style and preferences.
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