Dareu Aqua vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that is easy to press, making it a desirable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a medium level of tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, making them the perfect "Goldilocks" option for users seeking a balanced typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, the difference lies in their bottom housing. The Aqua utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the similarities in their top housing material, the different bottom housings of the Aqua and Violet Gold Pro impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press. This allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile that differs slightly between the two switches. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that combines the characteristics of their respective top and bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Dareu Aqua and Dareu Violet Gold Pro results in a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. However, the nylon bottom housing of each switch provides a slightly different typing experience. The Aqua and Violet Gold Pro offer users the option to customize their sound profile based on their preference for a fuller and deeper sound (Aqua) or a rounder and duller sound (Violet Gold Pro). Overall, the combination of these housing materials in each switch creates a unique typing experience tailored to the user's specific sound preferences.
Weight
The Dareu Aqua linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, with 37 grams versus 45 grams, respectively. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one requires more pressure to fully press down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Aqua switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro switch may be more appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, but the Aqua has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. The Aqua's 4 mm distance may provide a more substantial key press feel compared to the 3.8 mm of the Violet Gold Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Aqua. In general, the difference in travel distance is minimal, and both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of overall typing or gaming experience.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 blend of chirpy and clacky sound signatures, providing a distinct auditory experience that is both lively and crisp. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch presents a neutral sound profile that is neither overly loud nor too soft, catering to a wide range of user preferences. While the Aqua switch delivers a more vibrant and standout sound, the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a more balanced and versatile sound option suitable for various environments.
When it comes to feel, the Dareu Aqua linear switch stands out for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a typing experience that is effortless, responsive, and comfortable. The light actuation force of 37g ensures minimal finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a smooth and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a stepped tactile sensation, offering a more nuanced typing experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. This tactile profile provides a tactile feedback that is satisfying without being overly pronounced, making it a suitable option for those looking for a moderate tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users. The Aqua switch excels in providing a lively and chirpy sound with an easy-to-press feel, while the Violet Gold Pro switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile sensation for a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and typing style. However, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a unique chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Aqua switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro switch would be better suited for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics tailored to different typing preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns with your typing style for the best user experience.
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