Dareu Aqua vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The mechanical keyboard world offers a wide range of switches to cater to various preferences, and two popular choices that stand out are the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Dareu Aqua is a linear switch known for its super light 37g actuation force, providing a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is also a linear switch, featuring a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, perfect for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While the Aqua offers a distinct chirpy and clacky sound and is easy to press, the Yellow Silver provides a neutral sound profile. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Yellow Silver, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches. Overall, the polycarbonate top housing in both switches provides similar benefits in terms of sound quality and visual customization.
On the other hand, the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Yellow Silver differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Aqua features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the Yellow Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar experience of a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon bottom housings. Both switches provide a unique typing experience due to the qualities brought by their nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the top and bottom housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Outemu Yellow Silver play a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that enhances sound quality and allows for RGB lighting, they differ in their use of nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a unique typing experience that emphasizes sound absorption and a rounder sound. Whether choosing the Aqua or Yellow Silver, users can expect a tactile typing experience with distinct sound characteristics attributed to their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in deciding which switch to choose. The Aqua has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Yellow Silver with a higher actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Yellow Silver is 55 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the Aqua, where the bottom out force is unknown. Individuals who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Aqua, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel may be more inclined towards the Yellow Silver. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. They both provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience without any significant difference in the distance traveled.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 comparing the sound of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the Aqua stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound profile, giving it a unique and distinctive acoustic signature. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch offers a more neutral sound profile, which is suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced gamers and typists. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is favored for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a light and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Yellow Silver switch is not described in the provided information.
Overall, the Dareu Aqua linear switch appeals to those who prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch caters to individuals looking for a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, prioritizing speediness and responsiveness for both gaming and typing tasks. Depending on individual preferences and priorities, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and typing experience with either of these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a super light touch with a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that is suitable for both gaming and typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience.
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