Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard for your typing style, the choice of switches can significantly influence your experience. The Dareu Aqua linear switch is celebrated for its extremely light 37g actuation force, offering a feather-light touch that appeals to those who prefer a rapid and effortless typing experience. This switch also produces a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is engineered for smoothness and stability, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs that deliver a high-pitched bottom-out sound, making it a pleasure for enthusiasts who value acoustics and tactile feedback. While the Aqua excels in providing a breezy typing feel with its easy-to-press design, the Taichi offers a more refined auditory experience and consistent keystrokes. 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
N/A
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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Taichi reveals that both keyboards utilize a polycarbonate top housing, providing a consistent foundation for their sound profiles. The polycarbonate material, known for its rigidity and transparency, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This shared material not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the switches but also makes them particularly suitable for RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a vibrant illumination that can accentuate the aesthetics of both keyboards.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Aqua and Taichi are made from nylon, a well-established material in the keyboard industry. The nylon bottom housing creates a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer characteristics, which help absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This leads to a more muted and rounded auditory experience during key presses. The combination of nylon for the bottom housing and polycarbonate for the top housing allows for a distinct division in the acoustic qualities of the switches, ensuring that users can enjoy both the sharpness of the top and the richness of the bottom.
Despite the differences in tone and feel arising from the dual-material construction, the inevitable result is a harmonized sound experience when typing on either the Dareu Aqua or Bsun Taichi. The polycarbonate top facilitates a bright and resonant release sound, while the nylon bottom dampens the impact upon bottoming out, creating a balanced auditory experience that showcases the strengths of each material. Thus, while the two keyboards differ in the specific characteristics of their housing interfaces, the synergy between the materials employed leads to a similar user experience in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see a slight difference in their actuation forces. The Aqua requires an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Taichi has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. This difference could appeal to users based on their preferences for typing experiences. The lighter Aqua switch may be more suitable for those who prioritize longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, offering less resistance and allowing for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Taichi's heavier actuation force can provide a more substantial feel, ideal for users who prefer a stronger push while typing. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which means we cannot compare their performance in that regard. However, given this data, the Aqua is the lighter switch, while the Taichi is the heavier option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Aqua switch provides a more traditional keystroke feel, offering a greater depth that many users appreciate for its tactile feedback. Conversely, the Taichi’s 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive experience often sought after by gamers. While both switches could deliver satisfactory results based on personal preferences, the Aqua may be favored by individuals who appreciate a deeper, more deliberate press, whereas the Taichi might attract those looking for speed and agility in key presses. In summary, if you value a more pronounced travel experience, the Aqua is the better choice, while the Taichi offers a shorter, faster response suitable for quick actions.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 produces a unique acoustic profile that can be characterized as both chirpy and clacky. The chirpy quality introduces a little squeak, adding a distinctive nuance to the auditory experience, while the clacky aspect delivers a sharp and snappy response upon activation, which can be both crisp and bright. This combination results in an engaging sound signature that many users find enjoyable. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch boasts an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, amplified by its design features like a long-pole stem and extended springs. While the specific descriptors for the Taichi's sound were not provided, its focus on smoothness indicates a less nuanced sound profile, potentially leaning toward a more traditional linear experience.
When assessing the feel of these switches, the Aqua excels in providing an effortless typing experience characterized by its super light 37g actuation force. This minimal resistance makes the switches easy to press, significantly reducing finger fatigue and making them a great choice for prolonged typing sessions. Their feathery quality further contributes to this by requiring little exertion from the fingers, ensuring a comfortable experience whether for gaming, work, or everyday use. Conversely, there was no detailed information available regarding the feel of the Taichi linear switch, leaving its performance in this regard somewhat ambiguous.
Overall, while the Dareu Aqua linear switch is well-regarded for its sound and feel, offering a chirpy and clacky auditory experience along with effortless actuation, the Bsun Taichi linear switch provides a distinct high-pitched bottom-out sound and is designed for smoothness and stability. The Aqua’s light actuation may contribute to a more engaging typing experience, while the specific qualities of feel and sound in the Taichi remain unclear. When choosing between the two, those who prefer a lively sound and a comfortable typing experience might gravitate towards the Aqua, while users seeking a smoother sound profile could find appeal in the Taichi.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing experience preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force that enhances the ease of typing and keeps strain at bay during prolonged use, the Aqua is an excellent choice. Its chirpy and clacky sound signature also adds a charming auditory layer to your keystrokes, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a playful yet responsive typing feel. In contrast, if you're looking for a smoother and more stable experience with an enchanting sound profile, the Taichi is a fantastic option. Its long-pole design and extended springs deliver unparalleled smoothness, ensuring that every key press feels solid and satisfying. Overall, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a lively sound and ultra-light feel (Aqua) or a more refined, smooth typing experience with a unique sound (Taichi). This careful consideration will help you select the switch that best fits your typing preferences and enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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