Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron CM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aqua King is renowned for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on a freshly resurfaced ice skating rink. This linear switch provides a subtle and creamy typing experience, perfect for those seeking a subdued and polished sensation while typing. On the other hand, the CM switch breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, producing a richer, deeper sound signature that evokes a sense of grace with each keystroke. With its impeccable factory lube job and lengthened, dual-staged spring, the CM switch offers a bouncy and buttery typing journey. So, if you're in search of a switch that provides a magical glide and a frictionless experience, the Aqua King may be your ideal choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron CM differ in their housing materials, with the Aqua King featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the CM uses a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Aqua King creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the nylon top housing of the CM, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound, while the nylon is relatively softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate material used in the Aqua King's top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the CM's nylon top housing does not offer the same level of translucency. Therefore, if visual effects are a priority, the Aqua King would be the preferred choice.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Aqua King and the CM feature the same materials as their top housings. This means that the qualities brought by the polycarbonate material, such as the sharper and crisper sound profile, will also be present in the bottom-out sound and feel of the Aqua King. Similarly, the CM's nylon bottom housing will contribute to the deeper and fuller sound experienced when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, both the Aqua King and the CM offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Aqua King shines with its polycarbonate housing, providing a sharper and clearer sound, while the CM offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing. If similar results are desired, one could opt for the Aqua King for a crisper sound experience or the CM for a rounder sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the CM's 55 grams, making the Aqua King more responsive and requiring a lighter touch to register keystrokes. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Aqua King has a slightly heavier force of 62 grams compared to the CM's 63.5 grams.
Considering weight can be a determining factor in choosing a switch, individuals who prefer a lighter feel and the ability to type for extended periods may gravitate towards the Aqua King. Its lower actuation force allows for faster typing speeds and reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience and a tactile feedback may favor the CM with its heavier actuation force.
Since both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, individuals desiring a similar typing experience can achieve comparable results with either switch. However, the nuances in actuation and bottom out forces may slightly alter the overall feel of the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Aqua King and the CM depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the CM has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the more traditional and deeper option, providing a satisfying and hearty depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the CM's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, appealing to individuals who prefer a more responsive typing experience, such as gamers seeking faster response times. It is important to note that both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preference. Ultimately, those who prioritize responsiveness may opt for the Aqua King, while individuals who enjoy a greater depth when typing may lean towards the CM.
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 CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 switch is best described as subdued. It offers a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. In contrast, the Gateron CM switch offers a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the CM switch is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It is also said to have a low-pitched and mellow tone. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both the Aqua King and CM switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Aqua King switch is described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. Its smooth and refined finish result in a sleek typing experience, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. It also offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. Similarly, the CM switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, allowing for smooth and fluid keystrokes.
Considering the available information, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Aqua King switch provides a more subdued sound signature with a typing feel that's described as frictionless and creamy. On the other hand, the CM switch offers a bassy sound profile that is rich and deep, along with a typing feel that is buttery and polished. Both switches promise a smooth and effortless typing experience. While they may differ in certain aspects, individuals looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience will find similar results with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a typing experience reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink, where your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium activation force, providing a balanced feel. Additionally, the Aqua King switch is known for its subdued sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a richer, deeper sound signature, then the Gateron CM linear switch is the option to consider. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, this switch offers a medium-heavy activation force. The CM switch stands out with its full nylon housing, which contributes to the distinctive sound profile characterized as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched.
Both switches offer smooth and buttery typing experiences, with the Aqua King described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished, and the CM described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to whether you prioritize a frictionless gliding sensation like ice skating or a bouncier typing experience with a deeper sound signature. Consider your preferences for feel and sound to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. In the end, it is all about finding the switch that enhances your typing journey and brings joy to each keystroke.
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