Dareu Aqua vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and Huano Strawberry Latte offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences while still being linear switches. The Dareu Aqua is celebrated for its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, allowing for a feather-light touch that enhances typing speed and efficiency. Its chirpy and clacky sound profile adds a playful character, making it a fun choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback alongside the tactile experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte delivers a smooth typing experience thanks to its meticulously crafted molds, resulting in a balanced sound signature that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This makes it an excellent option for users who prefer a more subtle acoustic presence while enjoying fluid keystrokes. Both switches excel in distinct areas, appealing to users depending on their typing style and 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Huano Strawberry Latte, the distinctions begin with the top housing. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This material not only enhances the clarity of the sound but also makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK top housing, which, while also transparent and conducive to light diffusion, emphasizes smoothness with its low friction coefficient. Although both materials ultimately serve to optimize performance under RGB lighting conditions, their different acoustic characteristics can significantly affect the overall sound experience, with the Aqua providing a more bright and resonant sound, while the Strawberry Latte leans towards the smooth and clacky side of sound profiles.
As for the bottom housings, both the Aqua and Strawberry Latte employ nylon, a classic choice known for its sound absorption capabilities. This shared material results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that tends to be rounder and less abrasive compared to those using harder plastics. Given that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the characteristics brought forth by this material will create similar acoustic results in terms of bottoming out feel and sound. The nylon contributes significantly to the overall experience, ensuring that both switches maintain a plush, muted sound when the keys are pressed down, regardless of the contrasting top material influences.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Dareu Aqua and the Huano Strawberry Latte reveals a unique interplay between their top and bottom housings. While the differing top housings contribute distinct acoustic qualities—providing sharper and clearer notes in the Aqua versus the smoother and clackier response in the Strawberry Latte—the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a similar foundation in sound output. Therefore, when using either switch, one can expect diverse auditory experiences influenced by the top housing while still enjoying the comfortable, rounded feel imparted by their identical nylon bottoms. This blend of materials showcases the complexity and adaptability of mechanical switch designs, allowing users a range of tactile and auditory pleasures.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Aqua switch requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Strawberry Latte's actuation force of 40 grams, making it the preferable choice for users seeking a lighter typing experience that allows for longer sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua switch is unknown, whereas the Strawberry Latte has a clearly defined bottom out force of 45 grams, which indicates a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. This heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, the Dareu Aqua is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a heavier bottom out feel, catering to different preferences in typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Aqua boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it align with the traditional switch feel favoring a more substantial depth during key presses. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer a snappier response, often favored by gamers for quicker actions. The Aqua's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke, while the Strawberry Latte's shorter distance may feel more immediate and responsive. Thus, if you value a hearty depth in your switches, the Dareu Aqua would be the ideal choice, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte serves those seeking faster action with its shorter travel distance.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 presents users with a distinctive blend of chirpy and clacky auditory qualities. The chirpy sound is characterized by a slight squeak, giving it a unique character that sets the Aqua apart from many other switches. The clacky aspect adds a sharp, crisp, and percussive element to each keystroke, creating an engaging and lively typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced sound profile. While the specific descriptors for the sound of the Strawberry Latte are not provided, it is noted as being neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant, suggesting a more subdued auditory presence compared to the Aqua.
When considering the feel of these two switches, the Aqua excels in providing an exceptionally light and responsive experience. With an actuation force of just 37g, the Aqua feels effortless to press, allowing for prolonged usage without significant finger fatigue. The easy-to-press action, combined with a feathery touch, creates a typing sensation that is both comfortable and engaging, making it suitable for various applications from gaming to typing. On the other hand, while details regarding the feel of the Strawberry Latte are not explicitly described, the smoothness associated with its latest molds from Huano indicates a potentially comfortable typing experience as well, although a direct comparison of tactile feedback or effort is absent.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique auditory experience with its chirpy and clacky sounds, paired with a super light and responsive feel that enhances comfort during longer typing sessions. The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, while having an undefined sound profile, provides a more balanced auditory signature alongside a super smooth tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and users can expect a rich typing experience, whether they lean towards the engaging characteristics of the Aqua or the potential smoothness of the Strawberry Latte.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch will significantly depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you seek a light and effortless typing experience, the Dareu Aqua switch is a fantastic option, thanks to its 37g actuation force that promotes quick, responsive keystrokes with a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound profile. This makes it a great choice for prolonged typing sessions, gaming, or if you simply enjoy the tactile joy of lightly pressed keys. However, if you prefer a slightly more balanced switch that still offers smoothness and a pleasant acoustic signature without harshness, the Huano Strawberry Latte might be the way to go. With a 45g bottom out force and an overall more muted sound profile, it strikes a harmonious balance for those who want a dependable typing experience with less fatigue. In essence, if you appreciate the expressiveness of sound and the thrill of a feather-light touch, go for the Aqua; but if you lean towards a more consistent feel that remains gentle yet robust, the Strawberry Latte will serve you well. Ultimately, it’s crucial to identify what typing experience feels best for you and align your choice with your goals, whether that be for gaming, work, or casual use.
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