Dareu Aqua vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aqua stands out for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound profile that may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch from Wuque Studio is designed for office environments, offering a medium tactility with superior noise reduction without the need for silicone dampeners. These switches are categorized with different attributes such as easy-to-press and feathery for the Aqua, and accented, invigorating, and muted for the WS Silent Tactile. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Aqua utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and clearer sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the choice between them ultimately depends on the desired sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Aqua and the WS Silent Tactile opt for nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for the absorption of sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches highlights the importance of the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, as it is influenced by the properties of the housing material.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer users a choice between a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon. While the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel during typing. Understanding these differences in housing materials can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the WS Silent Tactile has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This means that the Aqua switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the WS Silent Tactile switch would be better suited for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.5mm. The Aqua switch offers a slightly deeper press compared to the WS Silent Tactile switch, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in quicker response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer unique advantages, and choosing one over the other will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sounds, providing a distinct auditory experience for users. The chirpy sound adds a cheerful touch to typing, while the clacky sound offers a sharp and percussive tone. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is designed to minimize noise with its silent yet crisp typing experience. The switch produces a more neutral and muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for office environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, the sound preference between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Aqua offering a more lively sound experience and the WS Silent Tactile focusing on quiet operation.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience due to its super light 37g actuation force. This light actuation force allows for effortless and low-impact typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch offers an invigorating and accented tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This switch offers a more pronounced feedback and a snappy typing sensation, catering to users who enjoy a tactile typing experience. Depending on individual preference, users can choose between the light and gentle feel of the Aqua or the medium tactile feedback of the WS Silent Tactile switch.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua switch excels in providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature, along with an easy-to-press and feathery typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch prioritizes noise reduction and offers a neutral and muted sound, paired with an invigorating and accented tactile feel. Users looking for a livelier sound and light typing experience may prefer the Aqua switch, while those seeking a quieter operation and medium tactile feedback may lean towards the WS Silent Tactile switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different sound and feel preferences, ensuring a personalized typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value medium tactility with superior noise reduction for office environments and a silent yet crisp typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch is the optimal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience you desire, whether it be light and chirpy or medium-tactile and silent. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose accordingly based on your individual needs and preferences.
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