Dareu Aqua vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is easy to press and feathery. On the other hand, the Venus showcases a distinctive internal configuration that offers a buttery and gummy feel with a seamless glide and a "Q-texture" resistance. The Venus switch is known for its low-pitched, muted sound signature and polished feel. While the Aqua is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and a more distinct sound, the Venus is perfect for those seeking a smooth and engaging typing experience with a unique matte sensation. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Venus, it is evident that they offer distinct sound profiles based on the materials used. The Aqua utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound with clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Venus opts for POM in its top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a keyboard switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the differences between the Aqua and Venus become even more pronounced. The Aqua features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Venus incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the characteristics of its top housing by creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This juxtaposition highlights how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can shape the overall typing experience and auditory feedback of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, while the Dareu Aqua and TTC Venus share similarities in using polycarbonate for one of their housing materials, the distinct choice of materials for the other housing component results in contrasting sound profiles. The Aqua's mix of polycarbonate and nylon creates a blend of sharpness and depth in its sound output, while the Venus's combination of polycarbonate and POM produces a more muted and unique sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound quality and typing feel can help keyboard enthusiasts choose the switch that best suits their preferences and needs.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the TTC Venus linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Venus switch is 52 grams, while the bottom out force of the Aqua switch is unknown. This means that the Aqua switch may feel lighter and easier to press for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions, while the Venus switch may provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation forces, with the Aqua switch geared towards a lighter touch and the Venus switch providing a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Venus's 3.8 mm. The Aqua's 4 mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, providing a balanced feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Venus's 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it more appealing to gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Dareu Aqua, while individuals looking for a quicker, more responsive feel may lean towards the TTC Venus. Both switches offer reliable performance, so users can expect similar results despite the slight difference in travel distance.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, giving it a distinctive and lively acoustic profile. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is known for its muted sound signature, providing a quieter and more subdued auditory experience. While the Aqua switch excels in producing a sharp and percussive sound, the Venus switch leans towards a bass-heavy, mellow tone. Users who prefer a more vibrant and lively typing sound may prefer the Aqua, while those looking for a quieter and more understated typing experience may lean towards the Venus.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery touch, offering a light actuation force for effortless typing. On the contrary, the TTC Venus switch presents a smooth and frictionless typing experience, with a buttery sensation that provides uniform and seamless key presses. The Aqua switch focuses on reducing finger fatigue with its gentle resistance and light touch, while the Venus switch emphasizes a polished and refined feel, ensuring smooth key travel with minimal friction. Users who prioritize a light and effortless typing feel may lean towards the Aqua, whereas those seeking a smooth and consistent typing sensation may find the Venus more appealing.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua switch stands out with its lively and chirpy sound signature, as well as its easy-to-press feel, the Venus switch impresses with its muted sound profile and buttery, frictionless typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Aqua providing a more vibrant and energetic typing experience, and the Venus offering a smoother and quieter performance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of actuation force and overall typing experience with either switch, ensuring a satisfying and tailored mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Opt for the Dareu Aqua if you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound signature. This switch will be ideal for those who favor a lighter touch and a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, go for the TTC Venus if you desire a switch with a light actuation force, a unique "matte" sensation, and a smooth and engaging typing experience. The Venus switch offers a balance of smoothness and resistance, along with a muted sound signature that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches would depend on whether you value a chirpy and clacky typing experience (Dareu Aqua) or a smooth and engaging typing sensation with a unique texture (TTC Venus). Make your decision based on your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
