Dareu Aqua vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer two compelling yet contrasting options for typists and gamers alike, both featuring linear designs that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Aqua is celebrated for its incredibly light 37g actuation force, resulting in a responsive keystroke that feels feathery and easy to press. This switch produces a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a playful auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) employs a heavier actuation force, paired with a PA12 top housing that ensures softer acoustic properties while utilizing a POM stem for a distinctly crisp sound. The Xinhai caters to users seeking a more refined and precise typing experience, balancing both performance and subtlety. Ultimately, both switches have their unique charms: the Aqua welcomes a light touch with lively feedback, while the Xinhai (Heavy) promises sophisticated acoustics and stability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), notable distinctions emerge regarding the top housings. The Dareu Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which is well-known for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This stiffness allows for enhanced resonance, resulting in clearer auditory feedback when typing. Moreover, the translucent properties of polycarbonate make it an attractive choice for RGB lighting, as it effectively diffuses light. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is constructed with a nylon top housing, which is a classic material in the switch industry. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is often perceived as duller and rounder compared to polycarbonate. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials influences the auditory characteristics of each switch during key release.
Interestingly, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, creating a level of acoustic consistency in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing of the Dareu Aqua contributes similarly to the Xinhai (Heavy) by providing a fuller, rounded typing sound. Since nylon excels at sound absorption, it ensures that both switches share a common auditory experience that enhances the overall typing feel. Essentially, while the top housings of the switches differ, the nylon bottom housings allow for a shared quality that may balance out the disparities introduced by the differing top materials. This results in both switches eliciting a satisfying auditory feedback profile when typing, albeit with different tones upon key release.
In summary, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dareu Aqua creates a unique dichotomy between crispness and depth in sound, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy)'s all-nylon construction offers a consistent and rounded auditory experience. The differing materials in the top housings create distinct profiles that affect the overall performance of each switch. However, since both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect to experience similar results in terms of deeper sound quality and tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys. Thus, the choice between these switches largely hinges on personal preference for the tonal differences provided by their respective top housing materials.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua switch boasts an actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it significantly lighter than the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, which requires a heftier actuation force of 55 grams. This lighter actuation force in the Aqua switch could facilitate longer typing sessions and gaming marathons, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize comfort and endurance. In contrast, the Xinhai’s heavier actuation force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Additionally, the Aqua switch lacks a specified bottom out force, while the Xinhai's bottom out force is measured at 62.5 grams, indicating that it may feel more definitive when pressed down completely. Therefore, for users who prefer a lighter typing feel with unknown bottoming characteristics, the Dareu Aqua is the better option, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) serves those seeking a stronger push and a clear bottoming out sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Aqua features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Aqua switch provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, ideal for users who prefer a substantial feeling when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor a faster response time, making it particularly appealing for gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. Ultimately, if a user prioritizes responsiveness and rapid key presses, the Xinhai (Heavy) would be the recommended choice, while those who enjoy a more tactile and deeper input would lean towards the Aqua switch.
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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 distinctive acoustic profile characterized by its chirpy and clacky qualities. With a sharper, more pronounced sound when pressed, these switches produce an engaging auditory experience that can be both fun and energizing for users who enjoy a lively typing environment. Their unique blend of chirpiness and clackiness makes them stand out, ensuring each keystroke resonates with clarity and vibrant character. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch has not specified a detailed sound profile, but it is crafted from materials designed for softer acoustics. While specific sound descriptors aren't provided, users can anticipate a potentially more subdued auditory experience compared to the Aqua.
When it comes to feel, the Aqua switch excels in providing an easy-to-press, feather-light experience. The remarkably low actuation force of 37g allows for an effortless typing style, making it ideal for long sessions, whether for gaming or extended work tasks. This gentle resistance feels comfortable and reduces finger fatigue, making typists feel like they are gliding across the keys. In contrast, the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch is not explicitly detailed; however, the absence of descriptors suggests a potentially different tactile experience that may lean towards a heavier resistance but remains comfortable for prolonged use.
In summary, users looking for an invigorating sound experience may prefer the Dareu Aqua, with its charming chirpy and clacky acoustics, alongside an exceptionally light touch that promotes fatigue-free typing. The Xinhai (Heavy) switch, however, may provide a more subtle sound paired with its own unique feel, which could cater to those who appreciate a sturdier switch while maintaining comfort. Ultimately, both switches promise different experiences, encouraging users to choose based on their personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you favor a super light touch and enjoy the sound of a chirpy and clacky keyboard, the Aqua is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force allows for effortless typing, making it ideal for long sessions of gaming or writing where speed and comfort are paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel while typing and appreciate a soft acoustic profile, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch may be the way to go. With a medium bottom-out force, this switch offers a satisfying resistance that many users find appealing, particularly for those who want a balance of precision and feedback without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your priorities—whether that’s the lightweight, lively experience provided by the Aqua or the refined, firmly tactile sensation of the Xinhai (Heavy).
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