Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Dragon Fruit offer contrasting typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is a linear switch known for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding on ice, providing a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit is a tactile switch with a sharp and distinctive bump at each press, satisfying enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. While the Aqua King (V3) is characterized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Dragon Fruit is labeled as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a seamless typing experience or a more tactile and engaging one. 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
45g
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
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Dragon Fruit both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for clear and resonant sound production, making it ideal for users who prefer a distinct sound while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a suitable choice for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting effects. However, while both switches share this common feature, they may differ in terms of their bottom housing material.
In contrast to the shared polycarbonate top housing, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, which further contributes to its sharp and clear sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the bottom housing enhances the overall sound quality, complementing the top housing's characteristics. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3).
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials for switches can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Dragon Fruit share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housing materials differ in terms of sound characteristics. Users looking for a sharper and more resonant sound profile may prefer the Aqua King (V3) with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Dragon Fruit with its nylon bottom housing. Regardless of the differences, understanding the influence of housing materials on switch performance can help individuals make informed decisions based on their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch are both medium in terms of overall weight. The Aqua King has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Dragon Fruit's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Aqua King is 62 grams, whereas the Dragon Fruit is heavier at 65 grams. This means that the Aqua King will feel lighter when initially pressing the key, while the Dragon Fruit will provide a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. Both switches offer a balance between a light and heavy feel, making them suitable for various preferences. Whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience, these switches provide a comfortable typing experience for extended periods of time.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dragon Fruit has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Dragon Fruit may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Aqua King may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired 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 Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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 (V3) offers a subdued switch experience, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit's clacky sound signature gives a lively and engaging typing experience that stands out with its distinctive noise profile. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, so the choice between them would depend on individual preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) provides a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Dragon Fruit switch offers an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback that delivers a pronounced and firm actuation force with a sharp, distinct bump at each press. The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch offer contrasting tactile experiences, catering to users with different preferences for typing feel.
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches provide unique typing experiences in terms of both sound and feel. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a smooth and frictionless typing feel with a subdued sound profile, the Dragon Fruit switch delivers a tactile and lively typing experience with a clacky sound signature. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. It's important to consider factors such as the keyboard build, keycaps, and your own typing style when deciding which switch would best suit your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a smooth and frictionless typing feel with a subtle sound signature, the Aqua King (V3) may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a lively and engaging typing experience with a sharp tactile bump and clacky sound, the Dragon Fruit switch is likely to be more up your alley. Consider factors like bottom-out force, typing feel, and sound profile to make the best decision for your keyboard setup. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to weigh your priorities when making your selection. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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