Dareu Aqua vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and Everglide Tourmaline Blue represent two appealing yet distinct choices for avid typists and gamers alike. The Dareu Aqua linear switch is distinguished by its remarkably light 37g actuation force, which allows for effortless typing and creates a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature that many users find appealing. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and a more dynamic auditory experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a more robust and deeper thocky sound profile, coupled with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring, providing a satisfying keystroke that caters to a wide range of users. With a standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance that makes it enjoyable for both casual and serious typists. While the Aqua switch is perfect for those who prioritize a light feel and distinctive sound, the Tourmaline Blue appeals to those who enjoy a more grounded typing experience. 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

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, the similarities and differences in their housing materials point to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for their ability to produce a sharp, high-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing when illuminated. As such, when considering the top housing, users can expect a similar auditory performance and aesthetic appeal from both the Aqua and Tourmaline Blue.

However, significant contrast arises in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which markedly changes the overall sound profile by providing a deeper and fuller audio experience. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder and more subdued sound when the switch is bottomed out. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's bottom housing remains polycarbonate, inheriting the same clarity and sharpness seen in the top housing. This difference means that while both switches may perform similarly in terms of top housing sounds, the bottom housing of the Aqua will yield a distinctively richer sound profile than the Tourmaline Blue.

Ultimately, the combination of these materials leads to unique user experiences with each switch. The Dareu Aqua, with its nylon bottom housing, will deliver a more rounded and deeper sound when the switch is pressed down, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue retains a consistent sharpness throughout its sound profile due to polycarbonate being present in both top and bottom housings. Users who prefer a combination of crispy highs from the polycarbonate top and fuller lows from the nylon bottom might gravitate towards the Aqua, while those who favor a consistently high-pitched sound may prefer the Tourmaline Blue. In essence, while the polycarbonate top housing ensures visual and auditory similarity, the bottom housing choice ultimately influences the tactile feedback and sound character in markedly different ways.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Aqua switch requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it more suitable for those who prefer an easier typing experience, potentially reducing fatigue during long usage. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a substantially heavier actuation force of 59 grams, appealing to users who favor a more robust and tactile feel while typing. While the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unspecified, the Tourmaline Blue's bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Consequently, users can expect a more pronounced feedback and sound from the Tourmaline Blue, while the Aqua switch remains a lighter option that promotes comfort over extended periods. Thus, for those who favor lighter switches, the Aqua proves to be a better choice, while the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who appreciate a firmer push and responsive feedback.

Travel distance

The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both exhibit a travel distance of 4 mm, making them comparable in this regard. Since both switches share the same distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress experiences when using either switch. This equivalence in travel distance suggests that you will achieve consistent performance and responsiveness whether you choose the Aqua or the Tourmaline Blue switches. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that feels the same in terms of key travel depth, you can confidently opt for either option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its unique blend of chirpy and clacky acoustics. This gives it a distinctive sound signature that can be described as crisp and bright, particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more percussive feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch has a deeper, thocky sound profile that immerses users in a satisfying auditory experience, offering a neutral sound that tends to be more balanced and less lively than the Aqua. While both switches produce unique sounds that can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material, the Aqua tends to stand out for those preferring a more textured auditory feedback, while the Tourmaline Blue caters to users who appreciate a deeper, richer sound.

In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is exceptionally easy to press, requiring minimal effort due to its light actuation force of 37g. This results in a feathery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. Users will find that the Aqua enhances their overall typing experience with its low-impact feel. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue, with its buttery keystroke profile, also offers a smooth and enjoyable typing sensation. Both switches emphasize an effortless actuation, but the Tourmaline Blue edges toward a mild experience that feels more uniform while still retaining ease of press. Thus, both switches cater to different sensations, with the Aqua focusing on a lighter touch while the Tourmaline Blue aims for a more balanced and natural feel.

In summary, the Dareu Aqua and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches present contrasting auditory and tactile experiences, with the former excelling in chirpiness and lightness, while the latter offers depth and smoothness. Both switches prioritize ease of use and comfort, making them suitable for prolonged typing, but they each bring their own flair to the table. Choosing between them ultimately hinges on personal preference: whether one desires a more delicate and lively typing experience or a solid, deep, and buttery feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are someone who enjoys a lighter touch with minimal effort, the Aqua switch is an excellent choice. Its super light 37g actuation force, along with its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile, makes it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming, where reduced finger fatigue and quick keystrokes are a priority. On the other hand, if you seek a more robust typing experience characterized by a satisfying thocky sound and a medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, you should lean towards the Tourmaline Blue switch. Its deep acoustic quality, coupled with a bouncy keystroke feel, strikes a satisfying balance that appeals to both beginners and advanced users alike. In essence, if you're looking for an effortless experience with a distinct sound, go for the Aqua. However, if you prefer a well-rounded switch that offers more tactile substance and a deeper auditory feedback, the Tourmaline Blue should be your pick.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Aqua Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more