Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can profoundly impact your typing experience, and two intriguing options to consider are the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Sunset Gleam, both of which are linear switches. The Dareu Aqua offers a remarkably light actuation force of just 37g, making it an excellent choice for typists who crave a responsive and effortless keystroke. Its distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature adds a unique auditory character to your typing, appealing to those who enjoy a more lively keypress. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, emphasizes a more refined experience with its balanced blend of materials, providing a subtly satisfying top-out and a dependable clack, backed up by HMX's renowned factory lubrication for an overall smooth feel. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Aqua for those who enjoy a lighter, more energetic typing experience, and the Sunset Gleam for users seeking a polished, refined stroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Sunset Gleam share a key similarity in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, contributing to an enhanced auditory experience. The polycarbonate construction is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, due to its rigidity that allows for clear resonance. This characteristic makes both switches ideal for creating a vibrant acoustic environment, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects emanating from the switches. Therefore, users can expect a consistent auditory experience from either switch, making them well-suited for those who appreciate a brisk sound signature.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge between the two models, with both utilizing nylon but yielding different sensory experiences. Nylon is renowned for its sound-dampening qualities; its softer properties result in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contributes to a more rounded typing experience. This foundational element plays a critical role in the tactile feedback provided by each switch. While both the Aqua and Sunset Gleam employ nylon in their bottom housings, the individual characteristics of each switch will come through in the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in subtle differences in typing experience despite sharing the same material.
Ultimately, when considering the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Sunset Gleam, it is essential to recognize how the combination of their top and bottom housing materials work together. The duality of polycarbonate's crispness in the top housing combined with nylon's warmth and fullness in the bottom housing ensures that each switch delivers a comprehensive auditory experience. Users of either switch will enjoy the benefits of both materials, creating a balanced interplay of sounds when typing, while being aesthetically pleasing with their RGB-compatible translucent designs.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation forces, though the bottom out force for the Aqua is currently unavailable. The Aqua switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sunset Gleam requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, making the Aqua a better option for those seeking extended typing sessions or gaming marathons with less finger fatigue. However, the Sunset Gleam provides a more substantial typing experience with its bottom out force of 48 grams. While the Aqua's bottom out force information is missing, one can infer that a potentially lighter bottom out might enhance comfort for users preferring a softer touch. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch will favor the Aqua, whereas those desiring a more pronounced tactile response may lean towards the Sunset Gleam.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Aqua features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Aqua switch offers a more substantial depth, appealing to users who prefer a traditional feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam's shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers for enhanced performance. Therefore, if you value a more pronounced keypress, the Aqua switch would be the better choice, while the Sunset Gleam is ideal for users who prefer a more responsive and snappy typing experience.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 presents a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound profile. The chirpy quality lends a slightly squeaky characteristic, creating a playful acoustic experience that sets the Aqua apart in a sea of switches. Meanwhile, the clacky aspect introduces a sharp, crisp sound when keys are actuated, contributing to a bright and percussive auditory feedback that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts crave. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound profile is currently unknown, leaving potential users uncertain about its auditory signature compared to the Aqua.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Dareu Aqua is lauded for its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, allowing for an effortless typing experience. Users can expect a gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue, making the Aqua ideal for lengthy typing sessions, whether for gaming or work. The switch feels feathery, requiring little exertion and providing a responsive, low-impact typing feel. The feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam has not been detailed, creating a gap in the comparative analysis of tactile qualities.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique combination of sound and feel, characterized by its chirpy and clacky auditory signature, a light actuation force, and ease of pressing for comfortable use. In contrast, while the Sunset Gleam switch presents an unknown auditory profile, it does feature a blend of materials that might hint at a satisfying actuation. For users seeking a specific sound or feel, these aspects should be considered carefully; the Aqua clearly provides distinctive auditory feedback and a light touch, while the Sunset Gleam's qualities remain to be fully explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you gravitate towards a lighter touch with a forcefully tactile experience, the Aqua, with its very light 37g actuation force, would be an ideal choice. This switch's unique chirpy and clacky sound profile not only enhances your auditory experience but also reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it especially appealing for gaming or casual use. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel under your fingers, the HMX Sunset Gleam is a fantastic option with its 48g bottom-out force. While it has a heavier actuation compared to the Aqua, it offers a satisfying clack that many typists find rewarding and perhaps more satisfying for typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound feedback. Additionally, the quality factory lube applied to the Sunset Gleam switch can elevate your overall typing experience, ensuring smooth keystrokes and improved performance. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize an extremely light touch and unique sound signature or a balanced feel and satisfying audio feedback.
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