Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron CAP Anniversary mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a smooth and creamy typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is praised for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary features a unique CAP structure designed for exceptionally smooth keystrokes, with aerodynamic principles and air-release holes ensuring minimal resistance. While both switches offer a polished typing experience, the Aqua King (V3) is described as subdued and silky, while the CAP Anniversary is noted for its snappy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron CAP Anniversary, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to clear and resonant sound characteristics. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, the Aqua King (V3) and CAP Anniversary differ in their bottom housing materials, with the former featuring polycarbonate and the latter using nylon. While the Aqua King (V3) maintains its sharp sound profile throughout, the CAP Anniversary offers a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nylon material absorbing more sound.
The split between the bottom and top housings' materials in a switch influences the overall sound and feel of typing. With the Aqua King (V3) utilizing polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, the switch's sharp sound and resonance are present throughout key presses. Conversely, the Gateron CAP Anniversary's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing creates a balance between a clear, sharp sound upon key release and a deeper, fuller sound upon bottoming out. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt more during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key.
While the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron CAP Anniversary both feature polycarbonate in their top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon bottom housing of the CAP Anniversary contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in housing materials results in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch. Whether opting for the sharpness of the Aqua King (V3) or the depth of the CAP Anniversary, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, the selection between these switches will depend on the desired sound and feel that best suits the user's typing style.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the CAP Anniversary's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams while the CAP Anniversary needs 65 grams, making the CAP Anniversary the heavier option in both categories. For those looking for a lighter typing experience, the Aqua King may be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the CAP Anniversary provides a stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the keys travel from the top to the bottom. Users can expect consistent tactile feedback and keypresses with both switches due to their equivalent travel distances. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the Aqua King (V3) and the CAP Anniversary switches, making them equally suitable options for those seeking a consistent typing experience.
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 Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is known for its subdued sound profile, offering a more muted typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of sound. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aqua King (V3) switch is praised for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, akin to effortlessly gliding your fingers on ice. The Gateron CAP Anniversary switch, on the other hand, is described as snappy, creamy, and polished, providing a smooth and responsive typing feel with reduced friction and minimal wobble. While the typing experiences offered by these switches may be slightly different due to their distinct characteristics, both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Aqua King (V3) switch emphasizes a creamy and frictionless feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch focuses on a snappy and polished typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, as both switches prioritize smoothness and responsiveness. If you prefer a smoother and more controlled typing experience, either switch will provide satisfying results, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch or the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, you should opt for the Aqua King (V3) if you prioritize a truly frictionless typing experience akin to gliding on ice. The Aqua King (V3) offers a creamy, silky, and polished feel with a subdued sound profile, perfect for those seeking a smooth and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, if you value a snappier response and a unique aerodynamic design with minimal wobble, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with the Aqua King (V3) or a responsive feel with the CAP Anniversary. Consider your preferences for typing feel and sound when making your choice between these two exceptional linear switches.
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