Dareu Aqua vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch. The Dareu Aqua is characterized by its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while maintaining a whisper-quiet sound profile. The U4 provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, adding a touch of subtlety to its overall design. Both switches have their own distinct features and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and Gazzew U4 both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the U4 utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua will likely result in a crisper sound compared to the deeper sound produced by the U4's blend top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Aqua utilizes a nylon material, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both the nylon and the Gazzew blend bottom housings offer a fuller sound profile, the differences in their material composition may result in slight variations in tone and overall sound experience.
When considering the impact of both top and bottom housings on the overall sound of a switch, it's important to note that the qualities of each material will be split between the two. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will affect the sound when the key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Dareu Aqua and Gazzew U4, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua's force is unknown while the U4 has a bottom out force of 62 grams. The difference in actuation force means that the Aqua switch may feel easier to type on for longer periods of time, while the U4 switch may provide a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preferences, with some preferring the lighter actuation force of the Aqua for extended typing sessions and others favoring the heavier bottom out force of the U4 for a more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different travel distances, with the Aqua having a travel distance of 4 mm and the U4 having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Aqua has a longer travel distance compared to the U4. A longer travel distance can provide a more substantial key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance, like that of the U4, can be preferred by those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer different advantages based on their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style to determine which switch would be the best fit.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky tones, creating a distinctive auditory experience that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a whisper-quiet sound profile with a muted and low-pitched quality, perfect for those seeking a more understated typing experience. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, catering to individual preferences for noise levels while typing.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience due to its super light 37g actuation force. This light touch reduces finger fatigue and enhances typing comfort, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switch offers a sharp tactile bump that provides a high feedback intensity with each keypress, giving users a distinct and satisfying sensation while typing. Both switches offer unique tactile responses, catering to different preferences for typing feel and feedback.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Aqua switch is recommended for those who enjoy a lighter touch and chirpy, clacky sound profile, while the U4 switch is ideal for users seeking a quieter typing experience with a sharp tactile bump. With these unique characteristics, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and preferences, knowing that both options offer a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a super light touch with a chirpy and clacky sound, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium actuation force with a muted and low-pitched sound profile, along with a sharp and intense tactile bump, the Gazzew U4 switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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