Gateron Aliaz vs. Everglide Aqua King (V3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and Everglide Aqua King (V3) offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Aliaz is ideal for quiet environments such as the office, with its silent design and medium-heavy weight providing a satisfying typing experience without the noise. On the other hand, the Aqua King (V3) stands out for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on ice, offering a smooth and magical typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different users, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences. 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
60g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing of their switches. This means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a visually stunning effect.
While both switches share similar housing materials, the difference in design may affect the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Aliaz features a unique design that may impact the bottom-out sound and feel, as the qualities of the bottom housing will play a significant role in this aspect. Conversely, the Aqua King (V3) may have a different bottom-out sound and feel due to its own housing design. However, when it comes to the sound produced when letting go of a key, the top housing of each switch will likely have a more noticeable impact.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Aliaz and Everglide Aqua King (V3) both use polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, the unique design of each switch may lead to subtle differences in sound and feel. However, the overall sound profile of both switches is likely to be sharp, high-pitched, and crisp due to the nature of polycarbonate. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of design and specific sound characteristics.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch, we see a difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Aqua King's 46 grams, making the Aliaz heavier in this aspect. Similarly, the Aliaz has a higher bottom out force of 75 grams in contrast to the Aqua King's 62 grams, again showing that the Aliaz requires more force to fully press down. This means that the Aliaz offers a heavier typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Aqua King provides a lighter touch, which may be more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces, with the Aliaz leaning towards a heavier feel and the Aqua King offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience and feedback when typing on either of these switches. The travel distance of 4 mm allows for a satisfying keypress without being too long or too short, strike a balance between comfort and responsiveness. Overall, both switches offer a smooth typing experience with a consistent travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prioritize key feel and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like offices. The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch, on the other hand, provides a subdued sound that is dampened and subtle. Both switches aim to reduce the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, offering a more pleasant typing experience overall. The choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in the final sound produced.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aliaz is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In comparison, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) offers a creamy and frictionless typing sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, enhancing the overall tactile feedback for the user.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch each offer unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Aliaz provides a medium-heavy weight and a more pronounced typing feedback, the Aqua King (V3) stands out for its ice-like smoothness and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style, but rest assured that both switches deliver exceptional performance for their respective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch, you should take into account the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you value a silent typing experience and prefer a medium-heavy weight with a pronounced typing feedback, the Aliaz switches are the way to go. They are ideal for quiet spaces like an office. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and frictionless typing experience that feels like gliding across keys effortlessly, the Aqua King (V3) switches would be more suited to your preference. They offer a medium bottom out force and are perfect for those who enjoy a magical typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal typing style and the type of environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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