Dareu Aqua vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ offer distinct features that cater to different typing preferences. The Dareu Aqua, with its remarkably light 37g actuation force, is designed for users who enjoy a delicate touch and a unique sound profile that blends chirpiness with a clacky resonance, making it an appealing choice for those who favor a lively and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ boasts an all-POM construction that produces a deep, satisfying "thock" sound and an exceptionally smooth keystroke, appealing to individuals who seek a more substantial and refined auditory feedback while typing. While both switches are linear and provide a tactile experience minus the tactile bump, they cater to different sensibilities—one emphasizes a lighter touch with a playful sound, while the other prioritizes a rich, robust acoustics and smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Dareu Aqua and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, the differences in their housing materials significantly influence the sound profiles they produce. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for more resonance and clarity. Moreover, its translucency enhances the RGB lighting effects, making it an excellent choice for aesthetics. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM top housing that delivers a unique and more muted sound profile on the deeper side. While both materials serve to enhance the auditory experience, the polycarbonate of the Aqua tends to provide a more vibrant sound, defining it in a realm distinct from the smoother, softer tones of the WS POM+.
On the bottom housing front, the Dareu Aqua employs a nylon material, which offers a classic feel in mechanical switches. Nylon's softer nature contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound than its harder counterparts, leading to a more rounded typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ also showcases a POM bottom housing, which, similar to the top housing, is designed to produce a muted and pleasant auditory experience. Accordingly, the nylon of the Aqua complements the crispness of its polycarbonate top, resulting in a pronounced contrast between the clear resonance when releasing a key and the warm thud upon bottoming out. In the WS POM+, both the top and bottom housings contribute to a consistently muted and smooth sound, creating a softer experience throughout.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials mean that both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to various preferences. The Aqua’s combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows users to experience the clarity of sound on release, while still enjoying the fullness of the bottoming-out. In contrast, the WS POM+ presents a cohesive sound profile due to the uniformity of its POM materials, delivering a unique aesthetic and sensory pleasure through its deeper sound. While users may gravitate towards one over the other based on their sound preferences and typing styles, each switch can nonetheless provide an enjoyable experience, highlighting how even contrasting materials can lead to satisfying outcomes in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Aqua switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the WS POM+ requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel. While the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unavailable, the WS POM+ has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating it bottoms out with more resistance. As a result, the Dareu Aqua is the lighter option overall, appealing to users seeking a softer touch, while the heavier WS POM+ caters to those who appreciate a stronger push sensation during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Dareu Aqua has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and can provide a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS POM+ features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who prefer quicker responsiveness and faster key presses, particularly in gaming scenarios. This means that while the Aqua offers a deeper, more robust keystroke, the WS POM+ allows for a snappier response that could be advantageous for rapid inputs. Consequently, if you prefer a switch with a more hearty depth, the Dareu Aqua is the preferable choice, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ is ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness with its shorter 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 Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 is notable for its chirpy and clacky auditory profile. The chirpy aspect provides a slight squeaky note that adds a unique twist, while the clackiness contributes a crisp and bright pop on activation. This combination results in a distinct sound signature that appeals to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch is recognized for its deep, satisfying "thock" sound. This sound is both rich and resonant, contributing to a more muted, velvety typing experience. While the Aqua captures attention with its more playful and high-pitched tones, the WS POM+ appeals to those who prefer a smoother, more subdued sound environment.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Aqua switch excels with its exceptionally light actuation force, requiring a mere 37g to register a keypress. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for long sessions of typing or gaming. It feels both easy-to-press and feathery, providing that gentle resistance which makes keystrokes feel responsive yet not tiring. The feel of the WS POM+ switch remains unspecified, so while one can anticipate a quality typing experience from a switch designed with all-POM materials, specific descriptions of its tactile feedback or resistance aren’t known.
In summary, the Dareu Aqua and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Aqua presents a chirpy and clacky auditory experience complemented by its feather-light feel, perfect for users who prioritize a lively touch. The WS POM+, with its deep "thock" sound, would cater to those who prefer a more grounded acoustic experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two comes down to personal preference in sound and tactile feedback, leading to two satisfying yet different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a light touch and enjoy a more playful typing experience, the Aqua's super-light 37g actuation force with its chirpy and clacky sound signature may be the perfect fit for you, especially during extended typing sessions when comfort and ease of use are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more solid typing experience with a satisfying "thock" sound and a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the WS POM+ will likely cater to your needs. Its deeper auditory feedback coupled with a smooth keystroke makes it an ideal choice for those who value both sound and tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider your typing style and sound preferences to determine which switch offers you the most enjoyable experience on your mechanical keyboard.
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