Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, it's clear that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding effortlessly on ice. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is noted for its medium weight and snappy tactile feedback, making it a solid default option for those seeking a tactile typing experience. While the Aqua King (V3) offers a creamy and polished feel, the EverFree (EF) Grayish provides a slightly stepped and neutral typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to 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
59g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Aqua King (V3) boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the EverFree (EF) Grayish utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties, absorbing more sound than harder plastics like polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile for the EverFree (EF) Grayish.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Aqua King (V3) and the EverFree (EF) Grayish highlights their similarities in producing a resonant and clear sound profile. However, the choice of nylon for the EverFree (EF) Grayish's bottom housing sets it apart from the Aqua King (V3) by creating a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound quality. While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the two switches exemplifies how the different materials can impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing feel of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, especially beneficial for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. In contrast, the softer nylon bottom housing of the EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a deeper and fuller sound quality, providing a distinct typing experience compared to the Aqua King (V3). Despite these differences, both switches showcase how housing materials can influence the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the EverFree's heavier actuation force of 59 grams. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces. The Aqua King's lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the EverFree's heavier actuation force provides a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In this case, those who opt for the Aqua King may find a similar typing experience to the EverFree if they are looking for a lighter actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Aqua King has a longer travel distance compared to the EverFree. The Aqua King's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper keystroke feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the EverFree's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower keystroke, which could be favored by individuals looking for a faster typing response. Both switches have their own advantages, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for typing feel 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 Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EverFree (EF) Grayish for $2.69.
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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is known for its smooth, frictionless typing experience that feels like gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. When it comes to sound, the Aqua King (V3) is described as having a subdued sound, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch is crafted with custom molds and is known for its medium weight and neutral sound signature. The sound of the EF Grayish switch is described as neutral, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) is known for its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, providing a buttery and smooth sensation with minimal resistance. Conversely, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch is described as having a stepped feel, offering two stages in the keystroke, and being snappy in responsiveness. These qualities provide a different tactile experience compared to the Aqua King (V3).
Overall, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Aqua King (V3) provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subdued sound, the EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a medium weight tactile feel with a neutral sound profile. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Ultimately, selecting between these switches would depend on whether you prefer a linear switch with a smooth feeling or a tactile switch with a bit more feedback and responsiveness.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a smooth and frictionless typing experience, then the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Aqua King provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel that allows your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a neutral sound profile and a moderate actuation force, then the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch may be more suitable for you. The Grayish switch is described as stepped and snappy, providing a responsive typing experience with a mild tactile bump. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel or a tactile typing experience.
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