Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and Gateron Glory Yellow present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking smooth linear action. The Aqua King (V3) is renowned for its frictionless and silky feel, reminiscent of gliding effortlessly across a freshly resurfaced ice rink. With descriptors like subdued and creamy, this switch provides a magical typing experience that can elevate both casual and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow, known for its heavier resistance, delivers a satisfying keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance. While both switches offer a smooth linear experience, the Aqua King focuses on a decidedly lighter and more effortless touch, whereas the Glory Yellow provides a bit more weight and resistance for those who prefer a touch of firmness in their keystrokes. 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
50g
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Glory Yellow, a clear contrast emerges between the use of polycarbonate in the Aqua King and nylon in the Glory Yellow. The Aqua King’s polycarbonate top housing is designed to create a sharper and more resonant sound profile, attributed to the material's stiffness. This characteristic allows for a higher-pitched sound that many users find appealing, especially for those who favor a crisper auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for enhancing RGB lighting effects, giving a vibrant aesthetic to illuminated keyboards.
In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon negates some of the sharper characteristics found in polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. As nylon absorbs sound, the overall typing experience tends to be rounder and less piercing. This difference in sound leads to distinct user experiences, with Nylon providing a sensory softness that contrasts with the Aqua King's snappy acoustics. Furthermore, since both housings of the Gateron Glory Yellow are made from nylon, there is a consistent auditory experience that emphasizes a warm, thudding sound.
Ultimately, the varying compositions of the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound signature and feel of each switch. For users seeking a sharper and more vibrant typing experience, the Aqua King excels with its dual polycarbonate housings that amplify high-frequency sounds and allow for RGB lighting to shine through brilliantly. Meanwhile, those who prefer a more subdued, cushioned typing feel would benefit from the Gateron Glory Yellow’s nylon construction, which produces a soft and round acoustic signature. In both cases, the design differences ensure that each switch caters to different preferences, making them distinct in overall performance and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch to the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, there are distinct differences in actuation force. The Aqua King (V3) features an actuation force of 46 grams, which makes it feel relatively lighter for typing or gaming, potentially allowing users to type for extended periods without discomfort. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that can appeal to those who prefer tactile feedback. Regarding bottom out forces, the Aqua King (V3) has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow remains unknown. This means that while the Aqua King offers a consistent experience from actuation to bottoming out, the Glory Yellow's feel might vary depending on its unknown bottom out characteristics. Overall, if users favor a lighter switch for comfort, the Aqua King (V3) would be the better choice, whereas those seeking a firmer feel may lean towards the Gateron Glory Yellow.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this regard. Due to their equal travel distance, users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This similarity in design allows for a consistent typing experience, regardless of which switch is chosen, providing an advantage for those who prioritize uniformity in their keyboard setup.
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 Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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) is characterized by a subdued quality, producing a dampened yet pleasant sound when pressed. This subtle sound profile makes it a strong choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without compromising on acoustic feedback. The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch does not have a documented sound profile, leaving its auditory attributes unknown; however, it is essential to note that sound is frequently influenced by the keyboard’s construction and the keycaps used, which means that users might achieve a similar subdued sound with them by pairing the switches with the right components.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) stands out with its creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished qualities. It offers an incredibly smooth typing experience, reminiscent of ice gliding effortlessly across a well-kept rink, making each keystroke feel like a breeze. With minimal resistance and a luxurious tactile sensation, the Aqua King creates a typing environment that is both enjoyable and satisfying. On the other hand, while there isn’t a specific description of the feel associated with the Glory Yellow switches, their claim to provide an enjoyable typing experience hints at a level of smoothness; however, without additional detail, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison.
In summary, if you're drawn to a more subdued sound and an exceptionally smooth, frictionless feel, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) is an excellent choice, providing a typing experience described as creamy and silky. The Gateron Glory Yellow switches promise a smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, yet lack specific details on their sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, the Aqua King (V3) delivers a distinctive experience that emphasizes smoothness and subtle acoustics, while the Glory Yellow may offer an enjoyable alternative, depending on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches offer distinct experiences, catering to different preferences and typing styles. If you prioritize a typing feel that is exceptionally smooth and frictionless, the Aqua King (V3) is likely your best bet. Its creamy, silky, and polished characteristics make it ideal for those who enjoy a gliding sensation akin to ice skating, enhancing your typing pleasure significantly. Additionally, if you prefer a more subdued sound while typing, this switch will meet that need, providing an ideal environment for quiet workspaces.
On the other hand, if you are seeking a linear switch that delivers a balanced yet enjoyable keystroke with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Gateron Glory Yellow may be the switch for you. Although the specifics of its bottom-out force remain unclear, this switch is well-regarded for offering a pleasant travel distance, which can contribute to a satisfying typing experience. Overall, your choice between these two will ultimately hinge on whether you believe that a smoother, quieter typing experience is more important or if you prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel with satisfying resistance.
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