Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Sarokeys BCP
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sarokeys BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sarokeys BCP both offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King is known for its frictionless and silky feel, almost like skating on ice, while the BCP provides a bouncy and clacky sensation reminiscent of the iconic Black Cherry Pies. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you prefer a smoother, more polished typing experience with the Aqua King or a bouncier, more tactile feel with the BCP. 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
46g
Actuation force
51g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Sarokeys BCP features a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of typing experience, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings delivers a consistent and clear sound profile both when pressing down on a key and releasing it. The stiffness of polycarbonate in both housings contributes to a more resonant sound during typing. On the other hand, the Sarokeys BCP's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on a key, while the nylon top housing influences the sound upon key release. This split between housing materials impacts the typing experience and overall sound profile of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Sarokeys BCP, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique qualities. While the Aqua King (V3) emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate, the BCP prioritizes a deeper and fuller sound with nylon. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired sound and feel when choosing between these two switches, as their housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sarokeys BCP linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King requires a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the BCP's 51 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King is heavier at 62 grams while the BCP is lighter at 57 grams. This means that the Aqua King provides a lighter initial press but a heavier feel when fully pressed, offering a balance of typing comfort and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the BCP offers a slightly heavier actuation force but a lighter bottom out force, providing a smoother and quicker typing experience for those who prefer a softer touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch. The Aqua King offers a more traditional travel distance, while the BCP provides a shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the BCP for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the Aqua King. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is known for its frictionless and smooth typing experience, described as feeling like gliding on ice. The sound produced by the Aqua King (V3) switch is more subdued, offering a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch provides a creamy and bouncy typing sensation, reminiscent of a creamy and elastic feel. The sound profile of the BCP switch is characterized as clacky, with a sharp and snappy sound.
Overall, while both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) switch focuses on providing a frictionless and polished feel, with a more subdued sound profile. In contrast, the Sarokeys BCP switch emphasizes a creamy and bouncy sensation, accompanied by a clacky sound profile. Depending on personal preference for typing feel and sound, individuals may choose between the Aqua King (V3) switch for a smoother and quieter typing experience, or the Sarokeys BCP switch for a more tactile and audibly distinct typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Sarokeys BCP linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smooth, frictionless feel with a medium bottom out force, then the Aqua King (V3) may be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you enjoy a bouncy, elastic sensation with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a signature clacky sound profile, the Sarokeys BCP could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to choose based on what type of typing experience you prefer.
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