Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular linear options are the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Tomcat. The Dareu Aqua is celebrated for its exceptionally light 37g actuation force, which results in a playful and lively typing feel characterized by a distinct chirpy and clacky sound signature. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prefer a light touch and enjoy audible feedback as they type. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat features Ly stems that provide a remarkably smooth typing experience, accompanied by a resonant sound profile that adds a richer auditory experience without being too distracting. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Aqua being ideal for those seeking a lighter, more dynamic feel, while the Tomcat suits users who prioritize smoothness and depth in their 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

Dareu Aqua Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Dareu Aqua and Bsun Tomcat both employ polycarbonate for their top housing, which plays a significant role in defining their sound profiles. This shared material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, attributed to polycarbonate's relative stiffness. Its translucency not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly for those utilizing RGB lighting, but also enhances clarity and resonance in audio feedback. Because both switches use this same material for the top housing, users can expect similar auditory outcomes, making it an appealing option for those who value sound quality and visual aesthetics in their switch selections.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Aqua and Tomcat is made from nylon, a classic choice respected for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a rounder and slightly duller acoustic experience. This characteristic makes nylon ideal for creating a more comfortable and muted bottom-out sound when typing, which can enhance the overall user experience. As both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, they are likely to deliver a comparable tactile feedback, assuring users of a consistent typing feel.

When considering the overall performance of the Dareu Aqua and Bsun Tomcat, it's essential to recognize how the combination of materials interacts to produce distinct characters in sound and feel. While both switches share polycarbonate top housings that heighten clarity and brightness in sound, they equally benefit from nylon bottom housings that soften the auditory experience and impact typing sensation. Together, these factors create well-rounded switches that suit different user preferences, and understanding these elements allows potential buyers to make an informed choice regarding their typographical needs.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods, which can be ideal for both work and long gaming sessions. Conversely, the Tomcat requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua lacks available information, whereas the Tomcat has a medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams, indicating a more defined resistance when pressing down fully. Overall, the Dareu Aqua switch is the lighter option, while the Bsun Tomcat switch is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences among users.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Aqua features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a better choice for users who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, offering a classic feel that many find satisfying. On the other hand, the Tomcat has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, which can be particularly advantageous for gaming. While both switches provide a linear feel, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preference: the Aqua's longer travel distance may feel more deliberate, whereas the Tomcat's shorter distance promotes a more rapid actuation, which some might find too abrupt. For users seeking a balance between comfort and speed in their typing experience, understanding these differences is crucial.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch delivers a distinct auditory experience characterized by a chirpy and clacky sound signature. The chirpy aspect gives the switch a slightly squeaky quality, while the clacky nature adds a sharp, crisp, and percussive element to each keystroke. This makes it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a lively typing experience filled with auditory feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch has not been thoroughly detailed in terms of sound but is noted for its resonant profile, which could indicate a different sound experience that emphasizes depth and richness. That said, without specific descriptors available for the Tomcat, it’s challenging to determine how these two switches would truly compare in a typical setup.

In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is celebrated for its super light actuation force of 37g, making it exceptionally easy to press. Users benefit from a typing experience that minimizes resistance, fostering comfort and reducing finger fatigue, especially during prolonged typing sessions. Its feathery quality further enhances this light feel, allowing for a natural and effortless typing motion. The Tomcat's tactile aspects remain unspecified, leaving potential users unclear on whether it can provide a similarly effortless experience or if it offers a different kind of engagement.

In summary, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a light, responsive switch with a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound and a comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat switch remains an enigma due to its lack of detailed descriptions in both sound and feel, which makes it hard to evaluate against the Aqua. Depending on your preferences, if you lean towards the characteristics of the Aqua, you might expect to achieve a comparable typing experience, but the nuances of the Tomcat switch would warrant further exploration for a well-rounded choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value an ultra-light actuation force and enjoy a nimble typing experience, the Aqua switch may be your ideal choice. Its 37g actuation force, combined with a chirpy and clacky sound profile, makes it suitable for fast typists or gamers who prefer minimal resistance and a lively auditory feedback. This switch is particularly beneficial during long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons, as it greatly reduces finger fatigue with its effortless feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced switch with a medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams that still offers smoothness, the Tomcat may be the better option. Its Ly stems are designed for a seamless typing experience, making it ideal for both casual and professional settings where a pleasing resonance can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize lightness and a unique sound (Aqua) or smoothness and a more controlled tactile experience (Tomcat).

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Aqua Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more