Dareu Aqua vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Aqua and the TTC Yunhai both present compelling options for fans of linear switches. The Dareu Aqua is celebrated for its featherlight actuation force of just 37g, which provides a distinctively chirpy and clacky sound profile that appeals to users seeking a playful and responsive typing experience. Its easy-to-press nature makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches boast a deep, rounded sound that offers a more immersive typing experience, all while maintaining an incredibly light actuation force as well, ideal for those who desire a gentle and effortless feel during long typing sessions. Both switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the TTC Yunhai present a fascinating study in the impact of housing materials on the acoustic profiles of mechanical key switches. The Aqua employs a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its rigidity and translucence, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. This feature allows the switch to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it particularly suitable for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing, which, while classic and widely used, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience, diverging from the sharpness offered by polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches aim to provide high-quality auditory feedback, they cater to different aesthetic and auditory preferences based on their top housing materials.
Interestingly, both the Dareu Aqua and TTC Yunhai utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a degree of auditory uniformity between the two. The properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, result in a fuller bottom-out sound, characterized by its depth and richness. Since both switches feature this same material in their lower halves, users can expect similar auditory qualities when pressing down on the keys—thereby offering consistent tactile feedback across both products. Given that the bottom housing has a significant influence on the key's overall feel and sound during a keypress, this similarity ensures that while the auditory profile may vary upon releasing the key, the pressing experience remains comparable.
In summary, the key difference between the Dareu Aqua and TTC Yunhai lies in their choice of top housing material, which significantly influences the overall sound profile. The Aqua, with its polycarbonate top housing, provides a bright and resonant sound ideal for backlit keyboards, while the Yunhai's nylon top lends a richer, more muted experience. However, both switches achieve similar results in terms of bottom sound and feel due to their shared nylon bottom housings. This duality emphasizes how different materials can articulate distinct experiences in mechanical switches while also providing commonalities that enhance user satisfaction across different switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Aqua features an actuation force of 37 grams, making it the lighter option, which may appeal to users looking for a comfortable typing experience during extended sessions. In contrast, the Yunhai switch requires a heavier actuation force of 42 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile feel for those who prefer resistance when typing. When it comes to bottom out forces, the information for the Aqua is unavailable, while the Yunhai has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Yunhai switch will give a firmer experience at the bottom of the keystroke, which may be favorable for users who enjoy a pronounced feedback on keypresses. Overall, if you favor lighter switches for longer periods of use, the Aqua might be more suitable, whereas the Yunhai could be better for those who appreciate a heavier touch and solid feedback upon bottoming out.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Aqua linear switch measures 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction suggests that the Aqua switch offers a deeper keystroke, potentially providing a more satisfying tactile experience for users who favor a hearty depth in their typing. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize responsiveness, particularly gamers seeking quicker actuation times. With a difference of 0.4 mm, it is clear that the Aqua switch provides a more traditional depth, while the Yunhai switch aligns with the current trend of shorter travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a more profound keystroke or the fast, snappy feedback that a shorter travel distance can provide.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
The Dareu Aqua linear switch produces a distinctive sound signature characterized by a chirpy and clacky acoustic profile. The chirpy quality adds a unique squeakiness to each keystroke, making it stand out among other switches. The clacky nature complements this with a crisp and percussive sound, providing a bright, snappy auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. This dynamic sound can be enhanced or influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, but overall, the Aqua delivers a more vibrant auditory experience, ideal for users who enjoy the feedback of each keystroke.
On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is noted for its deep, rounded sound profile, which contrasts with the Aqua's bright and sharp tones. While details about its specific sound descriptors are not provided, the general consensus is that the Yunhai offers a more subdued acoustic experience. This can appeal to users seeking a less intrusive sound while typing, promoting a quieter environment if desired. The combination of its sound characteristics makes it suitable for those who may want to avoid drawing attention in shared spaces, thereby enhancing the typing experience with a more subtle audio backdrop.
In terms of feel, both switches share an incredibly light actuation force, contributing to an effortless typing experience. The Aqua's easy-to-press and feathery qualities allow for reduced finger fatigue, even during extended typing sessions, enhancing comfort and responsiveness. This lightness translates to a gentle resistance that typists can appreciate while navigating through text or performing quick gaming actions. While the feel of the Yunhai is not explicitly described, its similarly light touch suggests that users can expect comparable ease of use. In conclusion, both the Dareu Aqua and TTC Yunhai linear switches cater to those who favor lightweight switches, but their sound profiles set them apart. Whether you prefer the lively chirpy and clacky nature of the Aqua or the deep, rounded tones of the Yunhai, you will find an enjoyable typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch will largely depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and actuation force. If you enjoy a lighter, effortless typing experience with a unique chirpy and clacky sound, the Dareu Aqua is an excellent choice. Its super light actuation force of 37 grams allows for easy and comfortable typing, making it particularly suitable for long sessions and quick, nimble fingers. However, if you are looking for a switch that offers a bit more resistance with a bottom-out force of 50 grams while still maintaining a gentle feel, you might prefer the TTC Yunhai. Although it has a slightly heavier actuation force, it delivers a satisfying typing experience that balances comfort with tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a vivid sound profile and ultra-light actuation with the Aqua or a more rounded typing experience with the Yunhai.
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