Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Aqua King is best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. Typing with these switches is incredibly smooth, creating a magical experience for your fingers. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red from Gateron's G Pro line-up is a budget-friendly option that delivers a smooth typing experience. Its medium-light actuation force strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, while also featuring a frosted light diffuser for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects. Additionally, its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches offer qualities such as being creamy, polished, and silky, but vary in terms of their subdued or mild characteristics. 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
50g
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
Nylon
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
Comparing the Everglide Aqua King and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is important to note that these switches are likely to have a translucency to facilitate RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing to enhance the RGB lighting effect, both the Aqua King and the G Pro 3.0 Red would provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aqua King utilizes polycarbonate while the G Pro 3.0 Red opts for nylon. The Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and resonant sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic material. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Considering the impact on the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing are felt when pressing down on the switch. The material used in the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In this regard, the Aqua King's polycarbonate bottom housing would provide a more clear and resonant experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing would offer a deeper and fuller sensation. Conversely, the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, and both switches being made with polycarbonate, the sound profile will have similar characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct characteristics. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Red is slightly lighter at 45 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aqua King requires a heavier 62 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red's 50 grams. This means that the Aqua King will offer a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a stronger typing experience.
Considering weight is essential for different preferences and needs. Those who type for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during marathon gaming sessions, may find the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the G Pro 3.0 Red to be advantageous. This allows for more comfortable and sustained typing without causing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial and tactile typing experience may favor the Aqua King's heavier bottom out force. The actuation force being similar in both switches ensures that users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfactory keystroke experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Aqua King or the G Pro 3.0 Red, you can expect similar results and enjoy the same tactile feedback while typing or gaming.
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 G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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
In terms of sound, the Aqua King linear switch is best described as subdued. When pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is categorized as neutral, featuring a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Aqua King and G Pro 3.0 Red switches are described as creamy. This indicates that they offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to factors such as lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on these switches will provide a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys and melt into each keystroke. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, which means they have a refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and/or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The G Pro 3.0 Red switch is also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more distinct characteristics. Overall, both switches provide a smooth and refined feel, minimizing resistance and enhancing typing comfort.
Taking into account the available information, both the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offer a pleasant typing experience with their smooth and buttery feel. While the Aqua King switch is specifically known for its frictionless and icy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. In terms of sound, the Aqua King provides a more subdued sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Red has a neutral sound profile suitable for most users. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also influence the sound produced by the switches. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would largely depend on personal preference and specific typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a typing experience akin to gliding effortlessly on freshly resurfaced ice, then the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, this switch offers a medium level of resistance, providing a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The Aqua King is best known for its frictionless feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, creating a magical typing experience. Additionally, this switch has a subdued sound profile, offering a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that strikes a balance between smoothness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, this switch has a light actuation force, making it easy to type on for extended periods without fatigue. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a frosted light diffuser, enhancing the brightness and vibrancy of RGB lighting effects, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. This switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a frictionless and magical typing experience, the Aqua King is the way to go. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly switch that offers a smooth and easy typing experience with versatile applications, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the perfect fit. Consider your desired typing feel and actuation force to make an informed decision that suits your needs.
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