Dareu Aqua vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Aqua switch, with its super light 37g actuation force, provides a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort with its medium-light actuation force, offering a familiar and delightful auditory experience. While the Aqua switch is characterized as 'Chirpy', 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', the WS Brown switch does not have specific categorizations mentioned. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preference for typing feel and sound. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Aqua featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Brown uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness which leads to clearer and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Brown's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Aqua and the WS Brown utilize nylon, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound as compared to the polycarbonate material used in the Aqua's top housing. While both switches feature nylon in the bottom housing, the impact of the bottom housing material will be felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Dareu Aqua and the Wuque Studio WS Brown plays a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. While the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, the WS Brown's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Similarly, both switches' use of nylon in the bottom housing enhances the overall sound profile with its sound absorption properties. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Aqua switch is also unknown, while the WS Brown switch has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aqua switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the WS Brown switch with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different characteristics that cater to the preferences of different users, with the actuation force and bottom out force playing a crucial role in determining the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aqua being slightly longer than the WS Brown. Gamers may lean towards the Aqua for its slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying and deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, those looking for a faster response time may prefer the WS Brown with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing 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 Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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, making it stand out with its distinctive and lively sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch provides a harmonious and familiar auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the Aqua leans towards a more lively and sharp sound, while the WS Brown provides a smoother and more familiar typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, offering minimal resistance and requiring light pressure to actuate the keys. This makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch provides a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring a fatigue-free typing experience with its medium-light actuation force. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Aqua leaning towards a lighter and more effortless typing experience, while the WS Brown provides a balance between responsiveness and comfort.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Aqua excels in providing a lively and light typing experience with its chirpy and clacky sound profile, while the WS Brown offers a harmonious and comfortable typing experience with its balanced tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience that meets your needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on what kind of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be a livelier and light feel with the Aqua or a smoother and medium-light typing experience with the WS Brown.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, you should consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a super light actuation force and enjoy a chirpy and clacky sound signature, then the Aqua switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, along with a familiar and delightful typing experience, then the WS Brown switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so carefully consider your typing style and sound preferences before making your decision.
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