Dareu Aqua vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both of which are linear switches. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, offering a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches are known for their Creamsicle-colored design and captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing on these switches becomes an indulgent experience. While the Aqua switch is characterized by being 'Chirpy' and 'Clacky', the Sunset Yellow switch is known for being 'Bassy', 'Creamy', and 'Thocky'. The Aqua switch is easily pressed with a feathery touch, while the Sunset Yellow switch offers a frictionless and polished typing experience. Both switches have their advantages and unique characteristics, 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
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer unique characteristics that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in keyboard sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Aqua comes equipped with a nylon material that elicits a fuller and deeper sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM bottom housing, offering a similarly deep and muted sound. While both switches provide a similar depth in sound profile, the materials used in the bottom housing contribute in different ways to the overall typing experience.
Overall, the combination of materials used in the top and bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the typing experience. The housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches each bring unique qualities that impact the sound and feel of typing. Whether it's the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate in the Aqua or the deeper sound of POM in the Sunset Yellow, both switches offer users the opportunity to customize their keyboard experience based on their preferences in sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua is lighter in both aspects. The Aqua has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sunset Yellow has an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Aqua the lighter option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Additionally, the Aqua does not provide information on the bottom out force, whereas the Sunset Yellow has a bottom out force of 51 grams, which is considered medium-light. As weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch, those who enjoy a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Aqua, while individuals who prefer a stronger push feel may prefer the Sunset Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch is 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Aqua switch provides a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow switch. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, a 3.2mm travel distance is slightly shorter and may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a longer or shorter travel distance. Ultimately, selecting the switch with the preferred travel distance will enhance the typing or gaming experience based on individual preferences.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
The Dareu Aqua linear switch is known for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a rich, bassy sound that indulges the senses, reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles. The Sunset Yellow also features a distinct gliding feel due to its unique Ly stem and proprietary factory lube method, creating a smooth and responsive typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Aqua being more chirpy and clacky while the Sunset Yellow delivers a deeper and more indulgent sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, providing a low-impact and effortless typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, allowing for smooth and buttery key presses with reduced friction and enhanced fluid key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Aqua focusing on light actuation force and the Sunset Yellow emphasizing smoothness and effortless gliding sensations.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches each offer a unique combination of sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aqua stands out with its light actuation force and chirpy, clacky sound profile, while the Sunset Yellow impresses with its rich, bassy sound and smooth, polished feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches provide distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a tailored typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a lighter touch with unique sound characteristics or a medium-weight switch with a smooth and indulgent typing feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a rich, bassy sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the overall experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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