Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a linear switch like the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and a tactile switch like the Bsun Cliff can significantly affect your typing experience. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its remarkably smooth and frictionless feel, likened to the sensation of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice—a delightful option for those who prioritize a seamless and effortless typing experience. Its subdued and polished characteristics make it perfect for users seeking a quiet yet responsive performance. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff offers a medium level of tactility, coupled with a crisp sound signature that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This tactile sensation can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a bit more engagement from their switches. While both switches have their unique advantages, the choice between them ultimately depends on your personal preference for either a silky and smooth feel or a tactile and audible response. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Cliff both feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a similarly sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile when engaged. This shared characteristic is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for clear transmission of sound and resonance. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of the polycarbonate material, making them particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications. Users can expect a visually appealing solution, as both switches will effectively showcase lighting effects, enhancing their overall aesthetic in keyboards designed with backlighting in mind.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two models diverges significantly. The Aqua King (V3) employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, providing a consistent sound profile throughout. This choice contributes to a higher-pitched sound and resonance that remains cohesive when the switch is activated. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, creating a distinctively muffled and rounded auditory experience. Thus, the differences in bottom housing materials suggest that while the Aqua King (V3) will deliver a more uniform sound experience, the Cliff can provide a richer depth to the overall sound when bottomed out.
These contrasting housing materials imply distinct tactile and auditory experiences when using each switch. The Aqua King (V3), with its polycarbonate structure throughout, will create a sound that is bright and resonant both when pressed and released. Conversely, the Cliff's nylon bottom housing will markedly influence the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a tactile experience characterized by a duller, more subdued profile. Consequently, users seeking a more pronounced drop and release sound may find the Cliff more appealing, while those who prioritize a consistent, higher-pitched sound across the board would likely prefer the Aqua King (V3). Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, showcasing the importance of material choice in keyboard switch design.
Weight
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Aqua King (V3) has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, classifying it as a medium option. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a softer touch while typing or gaming. This difference in weight will appeal to various preferences; the Aqua King (V3) provides a more substantial typing feel, ideal for users who enjoy a bit of resistance, while the Cliff's lighter forces promote longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch experience, the Cliff is your go-to, while for a heavier, more deliberate feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aqua King allows for a greater depth of keypress, which may be favored by users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Cliff's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker response times, making it more suitable for rapid gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: those who seek more responsiveness might gravitate towards the shorter travel of the Cliff, whereas users who enjoy a deeper typing experience may prefer the Aqua King.
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 Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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) features a subdued profile, producing a dampened sound that results in a quieter typing experience. This means that while the switches do make noise, it's less pronounced, providing a subtle auditory feedback that can be more pleasant for those who prefer a softer sound environment. Compared to this, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a crisp sound signature, which typically indicates a more defined auditory feedback during typing. This sound profile adds an engaging auditory component to each keystroke, contrasting with the Aqua King's muted nature. However, it’s important to acknowledge that sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) is characterized by its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished attributes. This combination results in a remarkably smooth and effortless typing experience, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys, much like ice skating on fresh ice. The sensation is highly pleasurable for typists who appreciate a silky texture as they engage with their keyboard. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, while possessing a medium level of tactility, does not offer the same buttery smoothness or effortless gliding effect. The tactile feedback provides a distinct feel with a noticeable bump during each press, making it more suited for users who favor a pronounced tactile response over the smoothness of linear switches.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch excels in providing a smooth, polished typing experience marked by its subdued sound, making it an excellent choice for those who value a refined and quiet environment. Conversely, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisp sound and medium tactility, catering to typists who enjoy clear feedback with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, typists will find both switches have unique qualities that can lead to enjoyable typing experiences; choosing between them will depend on whether one prioritizes a smooth linear feel or a tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, fluid typing experience with minimal resistance, the Aqua King (V3) is the ideal choice. Its medium actuation force of 62 grams, combined with its frictionless and creamy feel, creates a typing sensation that resembles gliding effortlessly across a polished surface. This makes it particularly appealing for those who type for long periods and prefer a subtle, subdued sound, allowing for a quieter working environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback with a crisp sound signature while typing, the Bsun Cliff switch may be more to your liking. With a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, it offers a gentle yet satisfying tactile sensation, making it easier to type fast while still feeling that gratifying bump that many typists appreciate. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you favor a silky, resistance-free experience or a tactile touch with a distinct auditory cue.
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