Dareu Aqua vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is easy to press, appealing to those who prefer a feathery touch. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. With a buttery and creamy feel, along with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, these switches are ideal for those who enjoy a more resonant and marbly tactile feedback. 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is especially well-suited for RGB lighting, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. In terms of the bottom housing, the Aqua's nylon material provides a deep and full sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material is known for its smoothness, clackiness, and durability. While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, they excel in different areas due to their housing materials.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Dareu Aqua and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the Aqua's top housing results in a clear and resonant sound profile, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing offers a unique high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Aqua's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing prioritizes smoothness, clackiness, and durability. Overall, both switches offer a balance of sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
In terms of performance, the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing mean that each component contributes differently to the sound and feel of the switch. The Aqua's polycarbonate top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, while the vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a unique and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different sound preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is 48 grams, making it heavier than the Dareu Aqua, which has an unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a light typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Aqua switch, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch. In terms of weight, the Dareu Aqua may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Vanilla Ice Cream may offer a more satisfying push feel for those seeking a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aqua switch offers a more traditional travel distance, which may provide a more familiar typing experience for some users. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. The difference of 0.5 mm may not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable change in the typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing or gaming experience.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, providing a distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch stands out with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile that sets it apart from other switches. Both switches offer an interesting sound profile that caters to different preferences, with the Aqua being more chirpy and clacky, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Aqua is known for its easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, requiring minimal force and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a remarkably smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of its namesake dessert. The Creamy descriptor implies a smooth and buttery typing sensation that provides a seamless and effortless typing experience. Both switches offer a unique tactile feel that enhances the typing experience, with the Aqua being light and easy to press, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a smooth and creamy typing sensation.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Aqua provides a distinct chirpy and clacky sound alongside an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a high-pitched and clacky sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switch choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Dareu Aqua linear switch or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force of 37g and enjoy a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, then the Dareu Aqua switch is the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force of 48g and desire a smooth and creamy typing experience with high-pitched and clacky sound profile, then the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Aqua or the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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