Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Kailh Box Jade
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Kailh Box Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Jade. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. This switch offers a magical typing experience with its subdued, creamy, and silky characteristics. On the other hand, the Box Jade is a clicky switch that provides a medium-heavy typing experience accompanied by a satisfying clicky sound profile and noticeable tactile bumps. Its high-pitched, accented, and invigorating qualities, combined with the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile feedback, make it a favorite among typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King and the Kailh Box Jade keyboards have both similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aesthetic. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting effects from both the Aqua King and the Box Jade switches.
However, the bottom housing of these keyboards differs. The Aqua King utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile when bottoming out a key. Similar to the impact of the top housing on the release sound, the bottom housing affects the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the bottom housing helps create a more distinct typing experience.
In contrast, the Kailh Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing. This switch housing material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on the Box Jade can provide a unique sound and tactile experience compared to the Aqua King.
Overall, while the top housing of both switches utilizes polycarbonate for a similar sound profile, the differences in the bottom housing materials create distinct typing experiences. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound when bottoming out, while the Box Jade's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding these differences allows users to choose between the Aqua King and Box Jade based on their preferred sound and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Aqua King requires 46 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Box Jade requires slightly more at 50 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force range, providing a tactile feedback when typing. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams of force for a complete press, while the Box Jade is slightly lighter at 60 grams. This means that the Aqua King provides a slightly heavier feel when bottoming out compared to the Box Jade.
Considering weight, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing habits. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Box Jade may be a better option as it not only has a slightly lighter actuation force but also a slightly lighter bottom out force. A lighter switch can be more suitable for extended typing sessions or extensive gaming, as it allows for less fatigue over time. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, the Aqua King's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces may provide the desired push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for an optimal typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch have contrasting travel distances. The Aqua King has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aqua King's 4.0 mm travel distance falls on the more traditional side, offering a deeper and more satisfying key press. On the other hand, the Box Jade's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, catering to gamers who prioritize faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes and can be preferred by those seeking a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of key depth and responsiveness.
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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 it comes to sound, the Aqua King switch is known for its subdued sound profile. While it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle and dampened sound when compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Box Jade switch produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed. It has a distinct clicky sound profile, and the clicks are particularly satisfying. Additionally, the Box Jade switch is also described as crunchy, reminding users of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued sound, the Aqua King is the way to go, while the Box Jade offers a more distinct and clicky auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King switch provides a typing experience that is often described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These subjective qualities create a smooth and effortless typing sensation, where your fingers glide across the keys with ease. The switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction, allowing for a fluid and polished key travel. On the other hand, the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating. It offers a medium amount of tactility, providing prominent feedback without being overwhelming or too subtle. The Box Jade switch also has a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in an immersive typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a buttery and gliding sensation, the Aqua King is the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a switch with pronounced feedback and a firm actuation force, the Box Jade switch would be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King switch provides a more subdued sound signature and offers a frictionless and smooth typing experience. It is perfect for those seeking a magical typing sensation reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. On the other hand, the Box Jade switch produces a high-pitched and crisp sound with satisfying clicks. It offers an invigorating typing experience with prominent feedback and a medium amount of tactility. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the Aqua King for a quieter and smoother typing experience, or the Box Jade for a more distinctive and tactile typing sensation. It is important to note that other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps, can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, consider your desired typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a frictionless feel, then the Aqua King is the switch for you. Its medium bottom out force of 62 grams ensures a comfortable typing experience, while its creamy, frictionless, and polished characteristics enhance the overall smoothness and fluidity of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you want a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced feedback, the Box Jade is a great option. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the Box Jade provides a satisfying tactile bump and crisp click sound with each key press. Its accented and invigorating characteristics create an immersive typing sensation. Sound-wise, the Aqua King offers a more subdued and subtle sound signature, while the Box Jade produces a high-pitched and crunchy sound. Ultimately, your choice between these switches depends on whether you prioritize a frictionless, smooth typing experience (Aqua King) or a medium-heavy, clicky typing experience (Box Jade).
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